From childhood rivals to Morocco's dynamic duo: Brahim and Achraf's 14-year journey
Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz and PSG's Achraf Hakimi first faced each other as 12-year-olds in 2010. Now they're leading Morocco's AFCON charge together.
Once childhood opponents in Spanish youth tournaments, Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi now stand shoulder to shoulder as Morocco’s brightest stars at AFCON 2023.
From Estepona to Africa
Back in May 2010, at a youth tournament in Estepona, two talented youngsters faced off in a semifinal match. Brahim Díaz represented Málaga’s academy, while Achraf Hakimi—then playing as a striker wearing number 9—led Real Madrid’s youth squad. The Blancos won 2-1 that day, though Brahim scored Málaga’s lone goal past none other than Luca Zidane (now Algeria’s goalkeeper).
What makes this tale particularly fascinating is that neither boy could have imagined they’d one day unite to chase glory for Morocco. Brahim, now 26, was even named the tournament’s revelation player, while Achraf, 27, was already showing the attacking instincts that would later define his career as an offensive-minded fullback.
Parallel paths to stardom
Their careers followed different but equally impressive trajectories:
- Brahim: Left Málaga’s youth setup for Manchester City at just 14, later joining Real Madrid where he currently plays
- Achraf: Developed in Madrid’s academy from age 9 to 20 before loan spells and eventually permanent moves to Inter Milan and PSG
Interestingly, many at the Bernabéu questioned the decision to sell Achraf to Inter for €40 million in 2020. With Dani Carvajal six years his senior, some believed Achraf should have stayed to compete for the right-back position or eventually succeed the Spaniard.
Morocco’s golden chance
Now, these childhood rivals have become teammates with a shared mission—leading Morocco to their second-ever AFCON title. The Atlas Lions face Nigeria in Wednesday’s semifinal, with the tournament being played on home soil adding extra significance to their campaign.
From that youth tournament in southern Spain to the biggest stage in African football, Brahim and Achraf’s journey has come full circle. The skinny kids in those old photographs have blossomed into world-class talents, now carrying the hopes of an entire nation on their shoulders.
As one observer who watched young Achraf develop puts it: “He scored goals every weekend since he was little.” Now he and Brahim aim to score the biggest goal of all—bringing continental glory to Morocco.