Hakimi Throws Down the Gauntlet: ‘I Should Win the 2025 Ballon d’Or’
Paris Saint-Germain player and Moroccan international defender Achraf Hakimi has boldly stated that he feels he should be the player to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
In an interview with Canal+, the 25-year-old right-back insisted that his impact and consistency rank him among the top football players in the world and expressed confidence in his recent club and national performances.
“I believe I deserve the 2025 Ballon d’Or. I’ve worked hard, delivered at the highest level for PSG and Morocco, and shown I can compete with anyone in the world,” Hakimi said.
Hakimi’s remarks follow an incredible season in which he was instrumental in PSG’s domestic dominance, providing crucial assists and goals from the flanks in addition to his defensive contributions.
After Morocco became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he also helped them maintain their impressive form.
Although attacking players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recently Karim Benzema have traditionally won the Ballon d’Or, Hakimi believes full-backs and defenders should also be honoured for their contributions to the game.
“Football is a team sport, and every position is important. I’ve done my best to be decisive in every match, and I think that should be valued,” he added.