Hakimi: Morocco was a choice from the heart

Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi emphasized that his choice to represent Morocco instead of Spain was driven by personal conviction and a profound sense of belonging, not by sporting calculations. The defender, who was born in Madrid and trained at Real Madrid's academy, explained that his decision stemmed from the heart and a deep love for his country.

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For me, it was a choice from the heart, a choice of love. I can't forget the big role of my parents. I knew their view on this subject, but ultimately, it was an inner feeling, as I have always carried this love for my country.

"For me, it was a choice from the heart, a choice of love," Hakimi said in an interview with Onze Mondial magazine. "I can't forget the big role of my parents. I knew their view on this subject, but ultimately, it was an inner feeling, as I have always carried this love for my country."

Hakimi highlighted that his Moroccan identity was shaped from childhood within his family. "I grew up surrounded by this culture. At home, we are passionate about Arab, Islamic, and Moroccan culture," he stated. "For me, it was obvious. My upbringing guided my choice, and I knew very well what I wanted to represent: Morocco, and no other national team."

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I grew up surrounded by this culture. At home, we are passionate about Arab, Islamic, and Moroccan culture. For me, it was obvious. My upbringing guided my choice, and I knew very well what I wanted to represent: Morocco, and no other national team.

The player believes that his decision, along with those of other dual-nationality players, has significantly influenced a new generation of talents. "It's true that my choice has, in one way or another, affected other players," he noted. "When players like us choose our parents' country over the country of birth, and continue to play for top European clubs, it makes things easier for new generations."

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It's true that my choice has, in one way or another, affected other players. When players like us choose our parents' country over the country of birth, and continue to play for top European clubs, it makes things easier for new generations.

Hakimi cited African football legends like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, and Emmanuel Adebayor as inspirations. "I remember great players like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor... they all shone at big clubs and at the same time represented African national teams," he said. "For us, they were always role models."

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I remember great players like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor... they all shone at big clubs and at the same time represented African national teams. For us, they were always role models.