Achraf Hakimi Breaks Silence—But Not His Bond—After Scoring Against Inter Milan
Scoring the first goal in a Champions League final should guarantee a moment of pure ecstasy, especially when your team goes on to crush the opponent 5-0. Yet, when Achraf Hakimi found the net early for PSG against Inter Milan in Istanbul, he barely raised his arms. No wild celebrations, no sprints to the corner flag. Just a quiet moment of restraint—and the cameras caught the emotion of a player torn between triumph and loyalty.
Hakimi’s reaction wasn’t random. For him, Inter Milan isn’t just another former club. During the 2020-21 season, he was an absolute game-changer for them. After blossoming in Germany at Dortmund, he joined Inter and made a name for himself as maybe the best right-back in Serie A. Seven goals, 11 assists—numbers you just don’t see often from a full-back—helped push Inter to a long-awaited league title under Antonio Conte. Fans still remember the sight of Hakimi tearing down the right wing alongside Lukaku and Martínez, a trio that defenders feared every weekend.
Behind the Decision: Loyalty Runs Deep for Hakimi
For Hakimi, Inter was more than a stop along the way to Paris. He saw his career take off there, formed close bonds, and made memories that matter. But financial struggles forced the club to sell him to PSG in July 2021 for around €70 million—a move that stung Inter supporters. The club got the cash, but lost a player who had become a symbol of their revival after over a decade without league glory.
So when the 2025 Champions League final set up this head-to-head, the story was always going to be bigger than the scoreline. Hakimi’s muted reaction after his goal was about more than just good sportsmanship: it was a visible nod to those relationships, that time in Milan, and his gratitude for everything Inter gave him. For fans who pay attention to these details, it meant a lot.
Even as PSG marched on to their first Champions League title—breaking records with each goal—Hakimi’s mature handling of the moment set him apart. He didn’t let respect distract him from the task at hand either. Throughout the game, he flew up and down the pitch, delivering another masterclass on the grandest stage. But at that key moment, as the ball sailed past Inter’s keeper, you could see it on his face—winning matters, but remembering where you come from matters, too.
This kind of self-control doesn't come easy, especially in football, where players are often encouraged to let their passion spill over. Yet Hakimi managed to balance fierce competition with real loyalty. His gesture was subtle, but powerful—something that fans of both clubs noticed and respected, even amid the chaos of a record-breaking final.
