Paris, France— Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star defender Achraf Hakimi has declared his belief that he deserves to win the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or award following an outstanding season.
Hakimi played a pivotal role in PSG securing a remarkable treble—winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the UEFA Champions League—while also helping the club reach the revamped FIFA Club World Cup final, where they fell 3-0 to Chelsea.
The right-back’s contributions were exceptional, finishing the campaign with 25 goal involvements (goals and assists combined) in 55 games, underscoring his rare offensive output from a defensive position.
In the UEFA Champions League, Hakimi impressed by winning 87 duels and creating 36 goal-scoring chances across 17 matches, just shy of fellow PSG winger Ousmane Dembele’s 38 chances created.
Speaking in an interview with Canal+, Hakimi reflected on his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or:
“I think I deserve it. As a defender, it’s more difficult. People think I’m an attacking midfielder, but no, I play as a full-back and I have to think about defending too.”
At the Club World Cup, Hakimi again showcased his class, ranking among PSG’s top performers in assists, goals, and chances created.
Hakimi is one of nine PSG players shortlisted in the 30-man Ballon d’Or nominees list announced by France Football last week. The club’s coach, Luis Enrique, also made the cut.
Other PSG nominees include Ousmane Dembele, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Vitinha.
Notable contenders from other clubs on the list are Barcelona’s Raphinha (34 goals, 25 assists), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (34 goals, 23 assists, Premier League Player of the Season), and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (34 goals, five assists).
The shortlist also features former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, awarded Serie A’s Most Valuable Player after Napoli’s title triumph—making him the first Scotsman nominated in 38 years.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with 18 goals and 25 assists, is nominated for both the Ballon d’Or and the Kopa Trophy for best Under-21 player, an award he claimed last year.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is slated for September 22, 2025, in Paris, where the winner will be unveiled.
By Enoch Odesola | August 10, 2025
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