Kylian Mbappe made a high-profile appearance in Rabat during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his close friend and Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi revealed the French forward's deepening affection for the country.
Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, attended Morocco's Group A match against Mali at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 26, drawing significant attention from fans and media. His presence was a personal gesture of support for Hakimi, a bond solidified during their successful years together at Paris Saint-Germain.
In a warm statement, Hakimi shared insights into Mbappe's cultural embrace of Morocco. "Kylian Mbappé really loves Morocco," Hakimi said. "He’s enjoying our country. He’s enjoying Moroccan food, from what I understand."
Beyond cultural appreciation, Mbappe also offered his perspective on the host nation's tournament prospects. According to Hakimi, the French star expressed belief in the Atlas Lions' quality while acknowledging the stiff competition. "He said we’re a candidate to win this AFCON, but there are also a lot of others," Hakimi relayed.
The friendly visit, reportedly at Hakimi's personal invitation, added a layer of prestige to the occasion and served as a subtle global endorsement of Morocco's status as a continental football powerhouse. The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw, with Morocco's path to potential glory still being charted as the tournament unfolds.
Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS