Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has expressed delight at being considered a genuine contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, describing the recognition as "an honor" following what he termed a "magnificent season."
The Moroccan international, who has established himself as one of football's premier full-backs, made these comments after helping PSG secure a 2-0 victory against Seattle Sounders in the FIFA Club World Cup.
"If people think I am a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, I am very happy; it's a pleasure, an honor for me," Hakimi stated. "I am in great shape, I feel good. I think I had a magnificent season."
Hakimi, who joined the French giants from Inter Milan in July 2021, is expected to face stiff competition for football's most prestigious individual award. His rivals likely include Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, PSG teammates Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The 26-year-old defender's candidacy highlights the evolving recognition of defensive players in a traditionally attack-focused award. His performances have been instrumental in PSG's domestic and international campaigns this season.
Should Hakimi win, he would become the first Moroccan and one of the few defenders to claim the prestigious golden ball, following in the footsteps of legends like Franz Beckenbauer, Fabio Cannavaro, and most recently, Virgil van Dijk.
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