How long Hakimi will be out for after Diaz tackle

November 6, 2025 Oliver Obel

Bayern started strongly at the Parc des Princes, with Díaz scoring twice inside the opening half-hour to put the visitors 2–0 ahead. But the match took a dramatic turn moments before the break when the former Liverpool winger lunged into a dangerous tackle on Hakimi near the touchline.

Referee Maurizio Mariani initially allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review and a look at the pitchside monitor, he produced a straight red card. Replays showed Hakimi’s ankle twisting unnaturally beneath Díaz’s leg — a sight that left the stadium silent as PSG’s medical staff rushed to his aid.

João Neves pulled one back for the French champions after the interval, yet Bayern held firm to claim the 2–1 win. For PSG, however, the result was overshadowed by deep concern for one of their defensive mainstays.

Outrage and sympathy online

The challenge sparked widespread condemnation across social media and among football journalists.

Sports reporter Leo Ashci described the scene as “terrible images of Achraf Hakimi in tears, forced to leave the pitch due to injury after a dangerous tackle by Luis Díaz,” adding that the timing was especially cruel with “just weeks to go before the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Analyst Zach Lowy was equally critical, calling it “one of the most reckless tackles I’ve ever seen,” and warning that Díaz “may very well have ended Achraf Hakimi’s season — and the prime of his career.”

It was supposed to be a celebratory night for Hakimi, who turned 27 that day. Instead, it became a moment he will struggle to forget, as he faces the prospect of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Injury assessment and recovery timeline

According to Physio Scout, a trusted sports injury analyst on X (formerly Twitter), initial observations suggest a serious ankle injury. “Hakimi’s injury appears consistent with a syndesmosis injury, possibly with a fracture, given that he couldn’t put weight on his leg,” they wrote shortly after the match.

In a follow-up post the next day, the expert elaborated: “Eversion and external rotation mechanics suggest syndesmosis damage. His inability to bear weight raises concern for a fibula — possibly tibia — fracture.”

Recovery time, they added, could range from six to twelve weeks, depending on the severity and whether surgery is required. “Extremely nasty injury,” they concluded, wishing Hakimi a full recovery.

PSG’s response

Head coach Luis Enrique addressed the situation after the defeat, urging patience until medical evaluations are complete.

“We have to wait until tomorrow’s tests to know more about the players’ injuries,” he told RMC Sport. “Hakimi’s situation is part of football — it’s unfortunate, but these things happen in a contact sport. It’s tough for the players.”

He also referenced other recent injuries within the squad, emphasizing that such incidents are part of the unpredictable nature of the game. PSG’s medical team is expected to provide a detailed update following further scans.

Race against time for AFCON

Hakimi’s injury casts doubt over his availability for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin in just over a month. The Moroccan international — widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football — now faces a race against time to regain fitness before Morocco’s campaign kicks off.

Sources: RMC Sport, Physio Scout (X), Reuters, BBC, AP