PSG Star Secretly Trains as Goalkeeper — Stuns Teammates with Incredible Saves in Practice
In an unexpected twist that has both amused and impressed the Paris Saint-Germain camp, one of the club’s top outfield players has secretly been training as a goalkeeper — and stunned teammates this week with a jaw-dropping display of shot-stopping skills during a closed training session.
The player in question? None other than Achraf Hakimi, PSG’s electric right-back, known more for his blistering pace and attacking prowess than any work with the gloves. According to inside sources at the Camp des Loges training ground, Hakimi has been sneaking in extra sessions with PSG’s goalkeeping coach Gianluca Spinelli — entirely on his own initiative.
While it might sound like a prank or a light-hearted distraction, those who witnessed the impromptu goalkeeping display on Tuesday say it was anything but. Reports suggest Hakimi made a string of unbelievable saves, including a reflex stop from close range that left star forward Kylian Mbappé applauding in disbelief
Thought It Was Donnarumma in Disguise”
An eyewitness from the training ground described the moment: “At first, we thought it was just a bit of fun, like when players switch roles at the end of a session. But then Hakimi dove full stretch to his left and tipped a rocket from Mbappé onto the bar. The whole squad just stopped. It was like watching Gianluigi Donnarumma in disguise.”
Hakimi’s interest in goalkeeping reportedly began earlier this year during recovery from a minor knock, when he spent time observing PSG’s goalkeepers during their drills. He struck up conversations with Spinelli, who jokingly invited him to try out a few drills.
“It started as a joke,” Spinelli admitted. “But the guy has serious instincts — his footwork, positioning, even his reactions — they’re surprisingly natural. Obviously, he’s no threat to Donnarumma, but if we ever needed an emergency keeper, I’d honestly trust him to do a job.”
Teammates Left Speechless
PSG’s training ground is no stranger to high drama, but the atmosphere this week has been unusually light thanks to Hakimi’s antics. Captain Marquinhos said, “It was wild. We’re used to seeing him sprint up the wing and score, but watching him in goal, stopping shots from Ousmane [Dembélé] and Gonçalo [Ramos], was surreal. He even started shouting instructions like a real keeper.”
Even head coach Luis Enrique couldn’t hide his amusement — and admiration. “I like players who explore all parts of the game,” he told reporters with a smile. “It shows passion. I told Achraf he might’ve been in the wrong position his whole life!”
Could It Ever Be More Than a Gimmick?
While it’s unlikely that Hakimi will ever officially swap his number 2 shirt for a keeper’s jersey, the moment has sparked playful debates among fans. Social media lit up with clips from the training session, including one where Hakimi punches away a curling free kick from Vitinha — wearing a borrowed pair of Donnarumma’s gloves.
Fan pages across France and Morocco were quick to react, with some even calling for Hakimi to be included as a backup goalkeeper in the next matchday squad, “just in case.” Others hailed his versatility and competitive spirit, pointing out that in an era of increasingly multi-skilled footballers, nothing should be off the table.
Not the First, But Still Rare
While outfield players occasionally step in as goalkeepers during emergencies — famously, Kyle Walker for Manchester City in 2019 — it’s rare for a top-tier player to train seriously in the role for fun. Hakimi’s dedication and surprisingly high level of performance, even in a casual setting, speaks to his deep understanding of the game.
A Team Bonding Moment
More than anything, the incident appears to have been a positive team-building moment. With a demanding season ahead and high expectations in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, PSG players and staff welcomed the break in routine.
“It’s important to enjoy football,” said Mbappé, grinning. “And seeing Achraf fly around the goal like that? It reminded all of us why we started playing in the first place.”
While fans shouldn’t expect to see Hakimi between the posts any time soon, PSG’s unexpected “goalkeeper experiment” has added a fun and surprising chapter to an already exciting season. And who knows the next time PSG are out of substitutions and in need of a miracle save, they just might look to their flying full-back.