Hakimi hears Mbappe say, "You made history at the World Cup,"

On Wednesday night in Al Khor, the Moroccan players collapsed to the ground in a fit of physical weariness and disappointment. The Atlas Lions, the tournament's big killers, had fought tooth and nail with the defending champions during their 2-0 victory over them.

In the midst of the French players' raucous celebrations, it was visible that their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, maneuvered through his teammates before reaching over his close buddy and anchor of the Moroccan defense, Achraf Hakimi. He assisted the full-back in standing up before the two guys embraced one another.

The pals exchanged shirts, gave each other embraces, and showed respect following France's semifinal defeat of Morocco

The touching exchange was a reflection of the two friends' genuine admiration for one another amid Morocco's historic World Cup semifinal performance last night.

The two exchanged handshakes and hugs in the tunnel prior to the game, and they were also seen laughing together while it was being played. Only a few hours after the game, Mbappe publicly expressed his admiration for his friend and the Moroccan team.

“Don’t be sad bro, everybody is proud of what you did, you made history,” the French star posted on Twitter, with an image of the friends embracing.

Since Hakimi's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021—where Mbappe also plays—a long-standing bond has developed. They frequently hang out together outside of football, including on a shared vacation to Spain.

Hakimi previously stood up for Mbappe when the idea of his leaving PSG was raised. "Having him by my side is a delight. In addition to being one of the best players in the world, he is also one of my friends." In April, Hakimi had told Telefoot, "I love him."

The friends had playfully jousted with each other over social media in January this year when the prospect of facing each other at the World Cup was raised.

“I have to destroy my friend,” Mbappe joked in a short video message. “It will break my heart a little bit, but you know, that is football. I have to kill him.”

Hakimi’s response? “I’m going to smash him,” the 24-year-old Moroccan wing-back said with a smile.

But as the distant prospect became a reality, their public messaging became increasingly heartfelt.

The two athletes swapped shirts after the game, with Mbappe wearing Hakimi's shirt backwards so that Hakimi's name would be more apparent during the celebrations.

The two were seen conversing together while leaning against the wall in the tunnel.

Morocco had reached the semifinal having only conceded one goal and with an unbeaten record. The Atlas Lions are the first Arab or African country to reach the World Cup semifinal stage.

The two players are both expected to play again for their respective countries at the World Cup: Mbappe against Argentina in the final, and Hakimi against Croatia in the tournament’s third-place playoff, before travelling back to Paris.