Achraf Hakimi’s spell at Borussia Dortmund lasted just two seasons, but it was enough to turn the young Moroccan into one of the Bundesliga’s standout players. On loan from Real Madrid in 2018, the full-back seized the opportunity to establish himself at the highest level, win trophies and even set a speed record that remains one of the most impressive achievements in the league’s history.

At the age of 21, in May 2020, Hakimi became the fastest player in Bundesliga history since official speed data began to be recorded in the 2011–12 season. In the 3–3 draw with Leipzig, he reached 36.2 km/h, beating Rabbi Matondo’s previous record of 35.97 km/h. A few months later, however, Hakimi himself would go on to do even better.

“I need to work harder to get even faster.” – Achraf Hakimi

In the 5–0 victory over Union Berlin, the Moroccan reached 36.48 km/h, raising the league record once again. Speed has become one of the most striking features of his game, but it was far from being his only standout quality: “I’m really happy to have made history in the Bundesliga. It’s incredible, but I need to work harder to get even faster. I think Alphonso Davies, from Bayern Munich, reached the same speed as me. I think it’s 36.2 km/h.” (BBC Sport)

An impact far beyond speed

Whilst at Dortmund, Hakimi played 73 matches and scored 12 goals, showing that his impact went far beyond his ability to run at high speed. The Moroccan quickly became a key player for the team and also had some standout moments in the Champions League.

In his first Champions League match for the club, against Atlético Madrid, Hakimi provided three assists in a single game. In October 2019, he scored his first goals in the competition, finding the net twice against Slavia Prague. A month later, he was once again decisive: he scored two goals in the second half to help Dortmund turn around a match they were losing 2–0 to Inter Milan and win 3–2 at home.

“Wherever I go, I want to play.” – Achraf Hakimi

In the 2019–20 season, his performances were recognised with a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. Hakimi also won the 2019 German Super Cup with Dortmund.

A spell that changed his career

The two-year loan spell turned out to be a turning point for Hakimi. The player himself emphasised that he wanted to continue having the opportunity to play regularly and develop on the pitch: “I want to play all the time, as I have done over the last two years with Dortmund. If I play regularly, I think I can be a good player – you learn more and get better. I don’t mind where, you know? I just think that, wherever I go, I want to play.” (BBC Sport)

After two standout seasons in Germany, Hakimi left Dortmund in 2020 to sign for Inter Milan. His time in the Bundesliga, however, had already left its mark: a title, a place in the team of the season, outstanding performances in the Champions League and a speed record that helped define one of the most memorable spells of his young career.

In 2026, Hakimi has just received yet another nomination for the Ballon d’Or award, a recognition that underlines the extent of his development since those two years in German football.