At the time, Real Madrid faced financial strain amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hakimi, having impressed during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, sought a more prominent role than serving as Dani Carvajal’s understudy at the Santiago Bernabéu. His move to Inter paid immediate dividends, with Hakimi’s attacking prowess and defensive reliability helping the Italian club capture their first league title in over a decade.
Hakimi’s upward momentum continued in France, where he joined PSG and gradually became an integral figure in the Qatari-backed project. Alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé—who eventually returned to Real Madrid—Hakimi contributed to a historic 2024/25 campaign, culminating in a dominant Champions League victory for the Parisians.
Now widely regarded as the best right back in the world, Hakimi has effectively closed the door on any speculation about a return to Spain. Real Madrid, despite investing heavily in Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer to fill the right-back void, will not see their former academy product return anytime soon.
After PSG’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse, Hakimi marked his 200th appearance for the club and addressed his future, speaking through journalist Fabrizio Romano: “I hope to continue at PSG for long time and many other games!”
While simple, Hakimi’s statement carries weight. Transfer rumors that once linked him back to Madrid have largely subsided as he cements his status as a team leader and Champions League winner in Paris. His commitment underscores the growing permanence of his role at PSG, even as old connections to his former club endure.
For Madridistas, Hakimi’s loyalty to PSG may evoke bittersweet feelings. Yet, they can take pride in knowing that his formative years at Real Madrid helped shape a player who is now among the world’s best—a lasting connection that will forever tie him to the club that developed him.