Morocco AFCON 2025 Squad Revealed: Injured PSG Star & Man United Defender Included

Morocco national football team have unveiled their squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is slated to start on 22nd December, 2025. Nicknamed the Atlas Lions, they will look to end their long-awaited wait for the 2nd AFCON trophy on their home soil with star players at their disposal.

Morocco last hosted the tournament in 1988, and this time is set to host again. They have been one of the most consistent African sides in the past few years, with impressive performances in some of the biggest tournaments. They reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup after defeating Portugal, but failed against a star-studded France team. However, their efforts were well recognised, and now they are considered as one of the dark horses who could take on any team in the world, thanks to their style of play, star-power and fearlessness.

The last time the Morocco national football team won the AFCON was in 1976 in Ethiopia. They will go again this time and hope to make the most out of their momentum. The Morocco AFCON 2025 squad has been released recently, and there have been some notable as well as surprise inclusions.

Injured Hakimi Included in the Morocco AFCON 2025 Squad

The recently released Morocco AFCON 2025 squad consists of a good blend of young, talented, and star players. A total of 26 players have been called upon, with two players as options in reserve. However, what surprises the most in this Morocco AFCON squad is the inclusion of Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi, because he is currently sidelined with a major injury. Check out the full squad below.

If we talk about Achraf Hakimi injury history, though he is not prone to injuries, but currently expected to be sidelined for 7 weeks due to a left ankle sprain. Hence, his inclusion in the Morocco AFCON 2025 squad is surprising. It was a horrific injury that he received after a tackle from Luis Diaz in the match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Hakimi left the field in tears, and it seemed that the player wouldn't return anytime soon.

Nevertheless, the good news is that Achraf Hakimi resumed training just last week, where he did his initial indoor routines. The right back has been included in the 26-man Morocco AFCON squad and is expected to feature in the later stages of the AFCON 2025, provided the Atlas Lions go that far.

Noussair Mazaroui from Manchester United has also been included in the Morocco squad, even after his lacklustre performances at his club, Manchester United. It remains to be seen how these two players perform at the event, which might play a key part in bringing the cup home again after a long wait of 49 years. Nevertheless, the return of Hakimi to the national team fold is positive, since he is one of the best right-backs in the world.