The FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between France and Morocco saw a display of sportsmanship between former teammates Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi. Following France’s 2-0 victory, Mbappe was seen consoling Hakimi, highlighting their friendship despite the on-field rivalry. This moment was widely shared and described by some as the ‘ultimate football bromance’.
Mbappe and Hakimi, who were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain, share a close bond. Their friendship reportedly deepened after an incident in October 2021 when a grounded flight led to a road trip, during which they were photographed together. Reports also suggest that Mbappe supported Hakimi during internal team frictions. Their connection extends to Mbappe visiting Hakimi’s home in Madrid.
Ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the two players exchanged playful messages about a potential match-up, with Mbappe joking about defeating his friend and Hakimi responding in kind. They did meet in that tournament at Al Bayt Stadium, where France eliminated Morocco. They also swapped shirts after that game.
The recent quarter-final encounter on July 9, 2026, marked another meeting between the two friends. France secured their place in the semi-finals with goals from Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Mbappe scored after recovering from a first-half penalty miss, and Dembele sealed the win with a second goal.
Friendship Beyond the Pitch
Despite their close friendship, Mbappe stated that emotions were set aside during the match. He acknowledged that the emotional impact of Morocco’s exit would only become apparent after the game. “It’ll be harder when I see him again in the dressing room, because then we become human again, we become friends again,” Mbappe said after the match. He further elaborated, “But here, no, there are no emotions. I’m here to win. And he was here to win too.”
Mbappe also mentioned that seeing Hakimi again in the dressing room would affect him because Hakimi is a very close friend. This sentiment underscores the balance between competitive sport and personal relationships. The interaction between the two players after the final whistle served as a reminder that intense football matches can conclude with respect, class, and friendship.
Their connection is ongoing, with reports indicating they remain in daily contact. Both players were expected to captain their respective national teams in the recent match. Mbappe has publicly referred to Hakimi as one of the world’s best players and, importantly, a friend. Hakimi frequently visits Madrid, where his son resides with his ex-wife.
Hakimi’s Impact on Morocco
ESPN highlighted Achraf Hakimi as a crucial player for Morocco ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against France. He is recognised for his ability to influence both defensive and attacking aspects of the game. One report suggested that Hakimi is uniquely capable of defending against Mbappe while consistently contributing to the attack.
Hakimi has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the African player with the most appearances in FIFA World Cup tournaments. His role as a cornerstone in Morocco’s recent successes has been noted, as he has helped guide the national team deep into major international competitions. His versatility, seamlessly transitioning from defensive duties to playmaking, positions him as a complete player in modern football. The match on July 9, 2026, was a decisive clash for a place in the semi-finals.
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Source: m.rediff.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter