Achraf Hakimi makes compelling Ballon d’Or declaration

Moroccan football superstar Achraf Hakimi has made a compelling case for himself regarding the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

The global award usually eludes African players. But this time around, the Paris Saint Germain (PSG) defender is vouching for himself. The roving right-back has declared boldly that he deserves to win the global award.

Hakimi earned the Ballon d’Or nomination alongside other Africans such as Liverpool FC’s Mohamed Salah. The nomination of the Atlas Lions wingback was hardly surprising.

Little wonder, the PSG vice-captain told French television channel Canal + that he deserves the Ballon d’Or.

“When people put me in the Ballon d’Or debate, it’s a dream I had never thought of. If I have the possibility of winning it, I think I deserve it too,” he is quoted as saying.

The African star played a major part in helping the French Ligue 1 to win their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. Hakimi weighed his defensive duties with goals in the quarter, semifinal and the final against Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old, therefore, has no doubt that grabbing Ballon d’Or would be a reward for a wonderful season.

“After the historic season I had, there aren’t many players who have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the Champions League,” Hakimi added.

“And as a defender, it’s even more difficult. People think I’m a forward or a midfielder, but no, I play in a back four and I have to think about defending. It’s more difficult. The statistics I had this season are not those of a ‘normal’ defender. If a defender manages to do that, he deserves the Ballon d’Or more than a forward.”