Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi has become the first Arab player to win the UEFA Champions League three times [1].

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Arab athletes in European football, establishing Hakimi as a historic figure in the competition's record books. His success reflects the growing influence of North African talent within the highest tiers of the sport.

Hakimi secured his first title in 2018 [1]. At the time of that victory, he was 19 years old [1]. That early success came while he was playing for the Spanish club Real Madrid [2].

His subsequent titles were achieved with the French club Paris Saint-Germain [2]. Reports indicate that Hakimi earned his third title in 2024 [2]. This victory followed a period of back-to-back wins for the Paris-based club [2].

By participating in three championship-winning squads, Hakimi has entered a rare tier of players who have dominated the European stage across different leagues. The milestone draws comparisons to other legendary figures in African football, such as Samuel Eto’o, who secured three African Champions League titles [2].

Hakimi's journey from a teenager in Madrid to a veteran leader in Paris highlights a career of consistent performance at the elite level. His ability to contribute to winning cultures in two of Europe's most prestigious cities has cemented his reputation as one of the world's premier defenders.

“Achraf Hakimi has become the first Arab player to win the UEFA Champions League three times”

Hakimi's record underscores the shift in the global football landscape, where players from the MENA region are no longer just participants but central figures in the most successful European projects. By winning with both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, he demonstrates a versatile adaptability that elevates the profile of Moroccan football internationally.