Achraf Hakimi has matched a historic UEFA Champions League milestone held by Mohamed Salah, after the Moroccan full-back continued to make the difference for Paris Saint-Germain during their clash with Barcelona.
The Morocco national team star contributed to his side’s victory over the Catalan club, adding a new individual milestone to his European night among the most prominent African players in the competition’s history.
Hakimi raised his tally to 19 assists in the Champions League, drawing level with Salah in second place on the list of all-time African assist leaders in the tournament, according to statistics from Stats Du Foot.
The historic assist came when he delivered a cross that Fabián Ruiz capitalized on to score the fourth goal in the 86th minute, sealing a 4-2 victory for Paris at the Parc des Princes.
The Moroccan international is now just one assist away from equaling overall leader Samuel Eto’o, who holds the African record with 20 assists, and needs two to take sole possession of top spot.
Hakimi’s numbers carry added significance given his role as a right-back, competing in this ranking alongside two stars whose careers are rooted in attacking positions, benefiting from his constant involvement in buildup play and chance creation.
Hakimi began his career at the Real Madrid academy before shining with Borussia Dortmund, winning the Italian Serie A title with Inter Milan, and subsequently moving to Paris in the summer of 2021 to become one of the team’s vital pillars.
The 27-year-old will have a fresh opportunity to chase Eto’o’s record when Paris face Villarreal in the next Champions League matchday on November 3, following the French club’s perfect record of three wins from their opening three matches.
