Achraf Hakimi’s New Braids Steal the Show After PSG’s Win Over Lyon
Achraf Hakimi gave Paris Saint-Germain supporters two reasons to celebrate after the club’s 2-0 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1: a clean sheet and a striking new hairstyle. The Morocco international’s tightly woven braids quickly became a talking point online, adding a light-hearted moment to a match in which he captained PSG in the absence of Marquinhos.
As photos of Hakimi’s new look circulated after the final whistle, Ligue 1’s official social media account joined the conversation. Its playful post praised the defender’s appearance, saying: “New haircut, but the same wonderful elegance.” Hakimi responded in kind, joking that his “tight braids” reflected his strong bond with Paris, before adding a laughing emoji.
Hakimi combines leadership with a memorable new look
Although the hairstyle became an immediate social media talking point, Hakimi’s role on the pitch was just as significant. With regular captain Marquinhos unavailable, the full-back took on the armband and helped lead PSG through a demanding league fixture. His appointment as captain reflected the standing he has earned within the squad since joining the Parisian club.
Hakimi is known for his pace, attacking runs and ability to influence play from the right side of defence. Those qualities make him an important part of PSG’s approach, particularly when the team looks to move quickly from defence into attack. His leadership duties against Lyon offered another reminder that his contribution extends beyond overlapping runs and assists: he is also one of the experienced figures expected to set the tone for his teammates.
PSG’s 2-0 result provided a welcome outcome for the home side, while the post-match exchange gave fans a lighter story to enjoy. In a sport where match analysis often focuses on tactics, injuries and results, moments such as Hakimi’s joke help show the personality behind the performance. The club’s supporters were quick to respond, and the conversation around his braids spread well beyond the immediate match coverage.
Ballon d’Or ranking sparks debate
Hakimi’s appearance against Lyon came amid renewed discussion of his individual achievements. He was absent from the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where he finished 13th in the global ranking. That position was a significant recognition of his season, but it also prompted questions about whether his influence and consistency merited a higher place.
Ballon d’Or voting is shaped by a range of factors, including individual performances, team success and the visibility of a player’s achievements over the season. Defenders can face a particular challenge in such awards: their best work may involve preventing chances, maintaining shape or making recovery runs rather than producing the goals and headline-grabbing statistics that attract attention.
Hakimi’s campaign nevertheless gave voters plenty to consider. As one of PSG’s most dynamic players, he has offered attacking threat from a defensive position while also carrying substantial responsibility for Morocco at international level. His ability to contribute in both phases of the game has helped establish him among the most influential full-backs in modern football.
Still, his display against Lyon was not entirely flawless. A few unusual technical errors interrupted what was otherwise a positive evening for the Paris side. Those moments are worth noting, but they do not erase the broader value of his season. Even top-level players have uneven spells within individual matches, and a single performance should be viewed alongside the consistency and impact shown across a much longer campaign.
What Hakimi brings to PSG’s football plans
Hakimi’s importance is especially clear in the way PSG use the wide areas. His speed allows him to stretch opposing defences, while his forward movement can create space for teammates operating centrally. When the timing is right, his runs give the attack an additional route to goal and force opponents to make difficult decisions about whether to track him or protect the middle of the pitch.
That attacking freedom also requires discipline. A full-back who pushes high must be ready to recover quickly when possession changes hands, and PSG’s balance depends on teammates covering the spaces left behind. Hakimi’s combination of acceleration and experience makes him well suited to that demanding role, though it can also expose him to intense scrutiny whenever a misplaced touch or mistimed pass occurs.
His captaincy against Lyon added another layer to that responsibility. Leadership in football is not limited to wearing an armband; it also involves communicating, maintaining concentration and helping a team manage different phases of a match. Hakimi’s presence in that role suggests PSG continue to view him as a trusted figure in a squad filled with high-profile talent.
Upcoming fixtures put the focus back on results
With the Lyon match complete, attention will soon turn to PSG’s next fixtures. The schedule lists a meeting with Le Havre on October 31, followed by another Ligue 1 outing against Lyon on November 2. The quick return to domestic action leaves little time for players to dwell on individual awards or viral moments.
For Hakimi, the challenge will be to carry the confidence of the victory into the next match while maintaining the standards expected of one of PSG’s key players. Supporters will be watching not only for his trademark forward runs, but also for the defensive concentration and decision-making that help turn individual quality into dependable team performance.
His new braids may have captured attention, but the larger story remains Hakimi’s place in PSG’s plans and the debate surrounding his Ballon d’Or ranking. The defender has shown that he can lead, attack and entertain—and, judging by his response online, he is comfortable doing all three with a sense of humour. As PSG continue their Ligue 1 campaign, the prediction is that Hakimi will remain central to the conversation, both for his football and for the personality that makes him one of the club’s most recognisable figures.
