Achraf Hakimi is a national hero in Morocco, but the pride runs deepest in Ksar El Kebir, his mother’s hometown, where his values and journey resonate powerfully.
KSAR EL KEBIR: Achraf Hakimi is an idol across Africa Cup of Nations host country Morocco, but there is a particularly strong feeling of pride in Ksar El Kebir, his mother’s hometown.
Far from the host cities, Ksar El Kebir is a small provincial city of 120,000 inhabitants. Hakimi’s mother was born there before emigrating to Spain, where the PSG star was born in 1998.
“There are no Moroccans who are not proud of him, so imagine how we feel here,” says Hassan El Mouden, a 57-year-old cafe owner in the town centre.
Residents say their affection stems not only from family ties but also the player’s own values. Taxi driver Hicham Ajto, 48, highlighted Hakimi’s “perseverance, determination and hard work”.
Locals recall the young Hakimi visiting during summer holidays, and the player has given his name to a neighbourhood football pitch. “Everyone loves him here,” says 20-year-old student nurse Mouad Balla.
Souleimane Bounou, 15, dreams of following in Hakimi’s footsteps. “I am proud to see Hakimi playing for our national team,” the teenager says.
Cafe owner El Mouden believes “his mere presence weighs on opposition teams”. The streets emptied for Morocco’s quarter-final win over Cameroon before filling up for celebrations.
On the town’s periphery, another ground named after Hakimi hosts matches for local amateur club Chabab Kasri. Hakimi paid a “historic visit” here after Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semi-final run.
Pictures of the superstar adorn the interior walls, including one with his mother. Local councillor Youssef Raissouni says the visit spurred a modernisation of the small stadium.
Some critics accused local officials of using Hakimi’s visit for political means. “If only all those in positions of authority were able to use star names for political means in order to help the towns they serve,” Raissouni retorted.
The people of Ksar El Kebir are now keenly awaiting Morocco’s next game as the hosts prepare for the Cup of Nations semi-finals.
