In a season where individual brilliance and collective success converged, one name stands out as the most deserving of football’s highest individual honor: Achraf Hakimi. While the debate for the Ballon d’Or can often be subjective, as the provided article rightly points out, there are seasons where a player’s impact is so profound that the discussion becomes almost moot. This is one of those seasons for Hakimi, a player whose value to PSG transcended the conventional role of a full-back and redefined what it means to be a game-changer.
A glance at the statistics, combined with his on-field impact, reveals a powerful truth: Achraf Hakimi’s influence is staggering. His stats only confirm what any keen observer of the game can see. His prowess in build-up, progression, and finishing is unparalleled, demonstrating a rare blend of attacking and defensive skills that make him a truly complete player. Throughout his campaigns with PSG and the Moroccan national team, Hakimi’s consistency, leadership and decisive impact have set him apart, transforming him from a standout player into the very engine of his team.
While some may consider his nomination for the Ballon d’Or historic, a win for Hakimi would be a long-awaited honor and a well-deserved moment of justice for African football, which has only seen one winner in its history: the legendary George Weah.. It would also be a groundbreaking recognition for the fullback position, as no player from this role has ever won the award. Furthermore, it would celebrate defenders in general, with Hakimi joining the exclusive club of just two others—Franz Beckenbauer and Fabio Cannavaro—to have ever won the prize.
His performance in the Club World Cup, where he was named in the Best XI of every stage, and his crucial goals in the Champions League quarter-final, semi-final, and final, are not just highlights but proof of his big-game temperament. Scoring PSG’s first-ever goal in a Champions League final is a historic moment that underscores his knack for rising to the occasion.
<span;><span;>This level of performance and influence has earned him the highest praise from football’s most respected figures, including h<span;>is former coaches who have consistently lauded his talent and importance.
- Brazilian legend and arguably the greatest right-back of all time, Cafu, has stated, “I think Hakimi is currently the best in the world.”
- PSG’s own coach, Luis Enrique, has lauded his development, noting, “He is a right-back, a midfielder, and a forward all in one. My tactical system suits his skillset perfectly.” He also highlighted Hakimi’s immense maturity and importance to the squad, calling him “a top-class player” and a “reference for his teammates.”
- Vahid Halilhodžić, the former coach of the Moroccan national team, who used to list Hakimi’s name among the forwards whenever he announced the squad, famously called him a “game-changer” and “one of the great talents and best players in the world in his position.” Halilodzic also noted, “He is the kind of player who can shine in any league and with any team.”
- Hervé Renard, another former national team coach, has been even more direct, declaring, “Achraf Hakimi is one of the best players in the world today. For me, he’s the Ballon d’Or winner this season.”
- And of course the current Moroccan coach, Hoalid Regragui, who has always expressed his deep trust in the player, saying, “Hakimi is a big champion so I’m not worried” when discussing his role in a high-stakes match against a world-class player. He is seen as a player who won’t “be giving away any gifts.”
The impressive journey of Achraf Hakimi..
Since leaving Real Madrid, Achraf Hakimi has been a sensation everywhere he’s gone, leaving an indelible mark and an impressive collection of stats. In Germany, Borussia Dortmund fans still remember his excellent partnership with Erling Haaland, who scored multiple times from the Moroccan’s assists. The same story played out in Italy, where Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez fully benefited from his attacking contributions to lead Inter Milan to the league title. After arriving at PSG, he formed a formidable attacking duo with Kylian Mbappé and still continues to terrorize opposing defenses, now in partnership with Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, and Vitiniha. He has also formed key combinations with Ounahi, Ziyech, and Brahim Díaz on the Moroccan national team. Hakimi has proven his ability to adapt and establish himself as an essential playmaker, regardless of his teammates or environment.
Hakimi’s journey, which began with helping his country win an Olympic medal and continued through a dominant season with PSG, culminates in a case for the Ballon d’Or that is beyond debate.
Nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ⤵️@AchrafHakimi@PSG_inside@EnMaroc#ballondor pic.twitter.com/iLI2ykFSUW
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025
