Born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid to Moroccan parents (his father is originally from Oued Zem, and his mother is from Ksar El Kébir) who migrated from Morocco in 1980, Achraf Hakimi grew up in Getafe with his family. Despite facing financial challenges, with his father as a street vendor and his mother working as a cleaner, Hakimi excelled in football. Fluent in Moroccan dialect at home and Spanish in school and football, he began his football journey at Club Deportivo Colonia Ofigevi in Madrid.

Inspired by Moroccan players like Marouane Chamakh and Noureddine Naybet, Hakimi joined the Real Madrid academy at the age of seven in 2006. Dreaming of playing alongside Brazilian player Marcelo, he progressed through the ranks. Hakimi showcased his talent with the Real Madrid Castilla youth team in UEFA Youth League, reaching the semi-finals in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons. His performances in the Spanish D3 league earned him opportunities with the first team, catching the attention of coach Zinédine Zidane.