‘I deserve the Ballon d’Or’ – Hakimi makes bold claim

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has boldly declared that he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, staking his claim based on a stellar 2024-25 season where he defied the traditional expectations for a defender. 

In an interview with Canal+, the Moroccan international expressed pride in being considered among the top contenders for football’s most prestigious individual honor, a dream he never imagined as also reported by Abola.

Hakimi back in training after accusation of rape finished the season with an impressive 11 goals and 13 assists, numbers that are remarkable for a player primarily operating in a back four defense. 

Hakimi pointed especially to his performances in the UEFA Champions League’s crucial knockout stages, highlighting that “not many players scored in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final,” which made his impact even more significant for PSG’s historic campaign that culminated in their first-ever Champions League title.

“People think I’m a forward or a midfielder, but no, I play in a back four and I have to think about defending. The numbers I had this year aren't typical for a defender,” he said. 

He emphasised that his contributions should earn more recognition because delivering such offensive output while fulfilling defensive duties is harder than for attacking players.

While Ousmane Dembélé remains the favourite to claim the Ballon d’Or this year, Hakimi’s inclusion among the 30 nominees alongside PSG teammates Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes, as well as Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, underlines the growing recognition of his all-around influence on one of Europe’s top teams.

PSG’s historic double success domestically and in Europe further boosts Hakimi’s credentials, making him a strong contender not only for his defensive solidity but also for his direct offensive contributions, speed, and creativity on the pitch.

In staking his claim for the Ballon d’Or, Achraf Hakimi backed by a former Arsenal star is not only celebrating his unique blend of defensive duty and attacking prowess but also challenging traditional views on what it takes for defenders to earn football’s highest individual accolades.