Ballon d’Or: Lautaro Martinez names Hakimi and Salah among contenders

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has revealed his favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, highlighting Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian Mohamed Salah as some of the leading candidates for the prestigious award.

Speaking in an interview with France Football, Martinez said:
“Paris Saint-Germain have several players capable of winning the Ballon d’Or, like Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele. As for the others, I am very impressed with Mohamed Salah. He had a fantastic season in the Premier League, winning the title, and he’s truly an exceptional player.”

The Argentine forward also reflected on his own standing in last year’s rankings, where he finished seventh:
“I expected a higher position in the last edition after finishing as top scorer and best player in Serie A, and winning the Copa América with five goals, including the winner in the final.”

When is the Ballon d’Or ceremony?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the world’s best footballer will be crowned.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.