The crown jewel of his nation, a proud ambassador of his continent, and the lynchpin of his club, Achraf Hakimi is well on his way to consolidating his legacy as an undisputed great, both on and off the field. His revolutionary commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries between the game and the fashion industry has made him a cultural icon. Aspiring for excellence in all his endeavors, his latest move—a switch to the Under Armour family—is another example of his determination to change a game he plans to finish at the top of.

The announcement of Hakimi’s decision to join the American sportswear giant comes as no surprise to those paying attention. The Baltimore-born brand has been making a charge in the football scene of late, with Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger, Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey, and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro among the names who have pledged allegiance to UA in recent seasons.

The latest acquisition of Hakimi—who boasts a global appeal with over 23 million followers across social media—alongside an already star-studded and ever-growing roster is a clear indication that the brand isn’t here to just participate but to shake up the football industry as we know it.

On set for the production behind Hakimi’s announcement, eager anticipation surrounds every room for the arrival of one of the biggest names in world football. From crews to cameras, nothing has been taken lightly. Everyone in attendance is aware of the size of the Hakimi name and is driven by a clear aim to produce something worthy of it.

Just short of 3:00pm, Hakimi arrives. Making his way around the set, he greets each team member individually, instantly defying the stereotype often associated with elite-level footballers. The Moroccan’s humble nature can be traced back to his upbringing, and he’s been very outspoken about the influence his mother has had on him. But while many footballers might be wary of their position as a role model, Hakimi takes it in his stride and embraces the opportunity his position grants him.

“I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as a responsibility and an honor. Knowing that I can inspire young players and fans motivates me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the pitch. At the end of the day, it’s about working hard, staying true to myself, and enjoying the game. If that can inspire others, then I’m grateful for it.”

Since his arrival in the City of Love in the summer of 2021, Hakimi has captured Parisian hearts, going from strength to strength and establishing himself as one of the best fullbacks in world football.

The 26-year-old former rookie has now become a key leader in the PSG dressing room, playing a crucial role in guiding a young squad. Unsurprisingly, he’s very reflective when asked about his leadership role in the team and pays homage to his time at Real Madrid and the influence it had in shaping his career.

“Coming through Real Madrid taught me the importance of discipline, learning from the best, and always pushing myself to improve. Now at PSG, I try to pass on that mentality to the younger players: to stay humble, work hard, and never stop learning. Leadership isn’t just about experience; it’s about helping your teammates grow and creating a winning mindset together.”

Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi has consistently shown throughout his career that he isn’t afraid to take risks and back himself, making his name with Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before securing his legacy with PSG. Wherever Achraf goes, silverware follows, and his link-up with UA is another move where he backs himself to raise the levels. Flying the flag for UA in Paris and cementing their growing influence in the city, Hakimi inspires the next generation of ballers to ride the UA wave. He debuted the partnership by delivering a clinic in Le Classique, rocking the Shadow Elite 3 boots as he captained his team to a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Marseille.

A proud Maghrabi, Hakimi made his senior debut for the Atlas Lions in 2016 at just 17, and despite leading his nation to two World Cups, three African Cup of Nations titles, and most recently, bronze at the 2024 Summer Olympics, he isn’t content with just participating.

“With Morocco, it’s a different feeling. The World Cup isn’t every year, and one ambition I have before retiring is to win something with Morocco—the World Cup or the African Cup of Nations—something special that makes my country proud.”

Throughout his childhood, Hakimi often returned to his motherland to stay connected to the culture, and his deep bond with his roots is evident. “Reaching the semi-final of the World Cup in 2022 with Morocco was unforgettable, not just for me but for the entire country. It was history, and feeling the pride of our people was something truly special.” With his UA boots now in his armory, it might just take him one step closer in his pursuit of eternal glory.

The semi-final in 2022 also saw Hakimi face off against his closest friend in football, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé. When asked who the best player he’s ever played against is, he quickly admits, “Of course, Kylian, but outside of him, Vini Jr. or Rafael Leão.” He also laughs as he admits that Mbappé would be the one to beat him in a race.

However, the Moroccan hasn’t just been setting levels on the pitch. Having graduated from two of the most iconic fashion capitals in the world—Milan and Paris—he’s consolidated his position as one of the leaders of the football x fashion wave. Regularly featured on the covers of Vogue, GQ, L’Officiel, and Art Basel, the right-back has become a certified style icon.

“Elegant, classic, and comfortable,” Hakimi says when asked to describe his style in just three words. What really stands out is his willingness to not only express himself but also experiment with his looks while staying true to his personality and culture. This results in classic looks that exude cool confidence, put together effortlessly.

A firm advocate of the intertwinement of the two industries, he explained, “Football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch; it’s also a lifestyle. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and as athletes, we have a chance to showcase who we are beyond the game through our style. I love experimenting with fashion and expressing my personality through the things I wear.”

His willingness to openly share his personality through his outfits is a testament to his bravery and authenticity—refusing to shy away from the possibility of criticism. But as his confidence on the pitch continues to grow, we can expect him to experiment even more freely. Given the fluidity with which he plays on the pitch—effortlessly switching between locking up the coldest ballers in the world and threatening opposition defenders—it’s no surprise that he can pull off different styles.

A frequent presence at Paris Fashion Week, Hakimi is no rookie, and he knows his stuff. His broad palette and versatility are reiterated as he lists his favorite brands: Rhude, Marni, and Jacquemus, to name a few. His appreciation for Benjamin Paulin’s influence in Paris is another example of his dedication to his craft, a characteristic which has served him well both on and off the pitch.

Looking back on his career and which city has the best style, he was torn between the two. “Milan or Paris. They’re the two cities of fashion, so I think both of them have something special.”

His link-up with Under Armour epitomizes his dedication to the “look good, feel good, play good” vibe. The breadth of collections available to him, such as the Challenger, Terrace, and Unstoppable ranges, will allow him to continue to express himself and be comfortable, all while looking fly on and off the pitch.

Naturally, the conversation about fashion led to NBA culture talk, and when asked who his favorite player is right now, he smiles. “The players I love at the moment are Stephen Curry for sure, one of the greatest players in the NBA, and Kevin Durant.” Albeit a fan of individual players, he admits his favorite team is: “The Boston Celtics. They have really good players and a solid team right now. If not them, then the Lakers.”

When tasked with picking his own starting five, he includes himself, of course. “I would play guard or power forward!” Who would join him from the PSG team, though? “Ousmane Dembélé. Gianluigi Donnarumma, because I need a pivot! Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, because he likes basketball, so I think he’ll play well and have skill. Lastly, Presnel Kimpembe because he’s strong!”

Moreover, his love for fashion is matched by his love for music, and his style versatility is echoed in his appreciation for a wide range of music: “Amapiano, Afrobeats, rap, and hip-hop. I listen to everything!”

But when asked about his favorite song right now, his bond to his nation is evident, as he praises Spanish-Moroccan artist Morad’s song “Ojos Sin Ver.” And if it’s good enough for Hakimi, then it’s definitely worth adding to your playlist. The rapper is one of the biggest names in music right now, and in addition to his friendship with Hakimi, who is a regular attendee of his shows, he’s a firm favorite of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé too.

It’s no surprise that when quizzed on who he’d like to perform at the World Cup halftime show, Morad is his pick. “I’m going to be there,” he says confidently with a smile. “It will motivate me in the second half!” Just another reminder that regardless of his passions outside of football, the baller is always focused on the beautiful game. This pursuit of greatness epitomizes the values of Under Armour and makes them the perfect pair to change the game in the sportswear industry and lead UA to the top.

From bursting onto the scene with Real Madrid to making his name in Dortmund, tasting silverware in Milan, and cementing his legacy as a champion in Paris—Achraf Hakimi is one of one. His effervescent playing style permeates all aspects of his life, from fashion to music. Despite his willingness to experiment, he prioritizes comfort and exudes a classiness that money just can’t buy, no matter how many trips you make to Le Marais and Rue Saint-Honoré.

The Hakimi x UA link-up is one we’ll look back on in years to come as a relationship that shifted the very foundations of the sportswear industry—especially in France, where both the player and brand aim to grow. The duo are equally committed to greatness on the pitch and style off it.

As the full-back targets more trophies with PSG and his maiden accolade with the Moroccan national team, his reputation as a footballing great and a force for good off the pitch has been secured. A flagbearer for the positive shift in football culture through his determination to succeed in everything he does—a quality very few can emulate.

C’est officiel! Achraf Hakimi and Under Armour are here to change the game, and if his performance in Le Classique is anything to go off, we should all be excited for what is to come. A match made in being both different and the difference.

You can watch the full conversation here.