I deserve the Ballon d’Or more than Dembele, Yamal - Hakimi says his stats ain't normal for a defender

Paris Saint-Germain vice-captain Achraf Hakimi says his extraordinary 2024/25 season has earned him the right to be considered for the Ballon d’Or, insisting his achievements as a defender should not be overlooked in favour of attacking players.

The 26-year-old Morocco international made history in the UEFA Champions League by becoming the first defender ever to score in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the competition in a single campaign.

His final tally of 11 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, 27 goal contributions, also set a new European record for a defender, eclipsing Dani Alves’ previous mark.

Speaking to Canal+, Hakimi admitted that even being mentioned among the game’s elite for the award was beyond what he once imagined.

“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 said.

Hakimi’s performances were instrumental in PSG’s historic clean sweep last season, as the French champions secured Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League, and Trophée des Champions titles.

“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. 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. If a defender manages to do that, he deserves the Ballon d’Or more than a forward,” Hakimi argued.

While confident about his own merits, Hakimi remained cautious about PSG’s chances of retaining their European crown, pointing to strong transfer activity from other giants.

“I don’t think we’re favourites as defending champions. We’re strong, but I know many teams have signed great players. Rivals? Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool who have signed a lot. But we’re ready for that,” he noted.

The Moroccan is on the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist alongside Dembele, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Mohamed Salah.

The winner will be announced later this year, with Hakimi hoping to become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to win the award.