During CBS’s coverage of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi was invited for an exclusive interview. In top form with PSG, Hakimi joined host Kate Abdo and pundits Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards. The conversation shed light on his playing style and the global recognition he continues to receive, especially following his standout performances in the Champions League.
Thierry Henry opened the interview by praising Hakimi’s performances and highlighting his growing responsibilities within the PSG squad. He congratulated him on reaching the Champions League semi-finals and asked about his more central positioning during attacking phases. Hakimi explained his comfort in that role, emphasizing the freedom granted to him by coach Luis Enrique.
As the conversation progressed, the panel unanimously lauded Hakimi’s level of play. Henry stated that the Moroccan international is playing “at a very high level,” an opinion echoed by Micah Richards. The discussion then turned to where Hakimi ranks among the world’s top defenders. Faced with the praise, Hakimi responded with humility.
The tone remained both lively and relaxed, especially when Micah Richards openly expressed his admiration for Hakimi, saying he considers him “one of the top two right-backs in the world.” Staying true to himself, Hakimi avoided any self-assessment, saying it was up to the experts to make that call. Richards, ever passionate, stuck to his stance.
“I don’t think too much about that (the ranking of the best right-backs in the world). I’ll let you guys decide who’s the best! I just try to do my job while enjoying it, and hopefully entertain the football fans. I’m very happy with that.”
Things heated up as the pundits tried to identify who Richards considered the second name in his top-two list. He eventually named Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Hakimi. But as the interview wrapped up, and after hearing Hakimi speak about PSG’s ambitions this season, Richards jokingly adjusted his ranking:
“Hakimi! You’re the best, number one for me.”
The comment made Hakimi smile, and he assured viewers that PSG is ready to face any challenge in the semi-finals, stating that winning the title means going through the best teams in Europe.
Beyond the lighthearted tone, the praise from Thierry Henry and Micah Richards reflects the unanimous recognition of Achraf Hakimi’s talent—now firmly regarded as one of the world’s elite in his position.