A high-stakes pre-season clash, designed to measure Real Madrid’s readiness ahead of the upcoming campaign, has unexpectedly sparked a wave of internal reflection within the Spanish capital. What was supposed to be a showcase of Los Blancos’ evolving strength instead turned into a sobering display of gaps that remain — and one standout figure was at the center of this realization: Achraf Hakimi.
Real Madrid fans had entered the game with high expectations. The atmosphere surrounding the club had been cautiously optimistic, with new faces in the squad and returning stars from injury fueling hope. However, by the final whistle, optimism gave way to confusion. PSG’s dominant 4-0 victory, powered by technical superiority and tactical precision, left Real Madrid scrambling for answers.
But the most painful part? It wasn’t just the defeat — it was who delivered it.
Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international and a product of Real Madrid’s famed Valdebebas academy, delivered a performance that left even the most hardened Madridistas stunned. From the opening whistle, Hakimi ran riot down the right flank, tearing into Real Madrid’s defense with blistering pace, calculated runs, and pinpoint deliveries.
For many watching, it was a case of déjà vu. Hakimi, once seen as the natural successor to Dani Carvajal, had been let go in 2020 under unique financial circumstances. At the time, his sale to Inter Milan was viewed as a regrettable but necessary sacrifice. Few imagined he’d grow into one of the most complete full-backs in world football in such a short span.
In the VIP box, Florentino Pérez sat in silence beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Though all three maintained diplomatic composure during the game, those close to Pérez later revealed that the Real Madrid president was “visibly shaken” by Hakimi’s dominance.
After the final whistle, insiders close to the scene reported a surprising development. Pérez, impressed beyond measure, reportedly turned to Al-Khelaifi and said:
“This boy was born for Madrid. We made him. Let’s talk — I want him back.”
According to sources within the club, Pérez has instructed the sporting department to explore all avenues to bring Hakimi back to the Bernabéu. While no formal negotiations have been launched yet, the wheels of diplomacy have already begun to turn. Madrid know that acquiring a star like Hakimi from PSG would not be easy, especially given Al-Khelaifi’s unwillingness to lose a key player to a direct European rival.
However, Madrid’s interest is now beyond casual admiration. Internally, the club is undergoing a technical evaluation of its full-back department. With Dani Carvajal aging and constantly struggling with injuries, and Lucas Vázquez functioning primarily as a utility backup, the need for a dynamic, modern right-back has become urgent.
Hakimi, who knows the club’s culture and speaks the language of Madridismo, is seen as the perfect fit. He not only provides a defensive presence but brings attacking flair — something Carlo Ancelotti deeply values, especially in systems that rely on overlapping runs and transitions.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s head coach, praised Hakimi’s performance in glowing terms:
“Hakimi isn’t just a defender — he’s a force of nature. He lifts the entire team when he runs. He is the best in the world in his role, and we’re lucky to have him.”
Those words likely added salt to Madrid’s wounds. Losing to PSG is one thing. Losing to one of your own — someone you groomed and sold too soon — is another. Florentino Pérez has never been known to act out of sentiment, but Hakimi’s display may have touched something deeper: pride.
Behind closed doors, sporting director Juni Calafat and general manager José Ángel Sánchez have already begun strategizing. Any potential move for Hakimi would likely require negotiation finesse, a significant financial offer, and possibly the inclusion of player exchanges or future options.
Interestingly, Hakimi himself has never hidden his affection for Real Madrid. In previous interviews, he has spoken fondly of his time at the club, the mentorship of Zinedine Zidane, and the pride of debuting for the first team. Though he’s happy at PSG, sources close to the player have hinted that a return to Madrid would be considered “a dream move” if the conditions were right.
As it stands, PSG hold all the cards. Hakimi is under contract until 2026 and has a pivotal role in the Parisian club’s long-term sporting project. However, Florentino Pérez has made it clear in the past: no player is truly unavailable if Real Madrid want him badly enough.
This moment — a lopsided defeat, illuminated by one of their own — might be the catalyst for big decisions at Valdebebas. Real Madrid are known not just for reacting to setbacks, but for transforming them into opportunities for resurgence.
And bringing back Achraf Hakimi may not just fix a tactical gap — it could symbolically close a painful chapter, right a former wrong, and send a message across Europe that Madrid always finds its way back to greatness.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Pérez and Al-Khelaifi. One has a star who was once lost. The other wants him back — and is reportedly ready to pay whatever it takes.
The story of Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid may not be over just yet. In fact, it might just be entering its most dramatic chapter.