In a video published by Al Sadd SC this week, Moroccan international and captain Romain Saïss unveiled his “Best 11 Players,” a lineup featuring the most prominent teammates from his career. While the list was filled with Moroccan and international stars, the highlight was his strong and unconditional endorsement of Achraf Hakimi, whom he nominated to win the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award presented annually by France Football to the world’s best player.
When selecting his right-back, Saïss immediately named Hakimi, his teammate from the Moroccan national team. He didn’t just mention him as a great player; he went a step further, declaring his belief that Hakimi is a strong candidate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2025. Saïss’s statement, delivered with confidence and pride, highlighted Hakimi’s exceptional performance and his crucial role in recent campaigns of PSG and Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
“Hakimi has a great chance, Insha’Allah, to win the Ballon d’Or this season” – Romain Saïss
This nomination adds to the growing sentiment that a new generation of players, particularly those who have excelled in a dual role on both offense and defense, are deserving of consideration for the Ballon d’Or. Hakimi’s incredible attacking output, combined with his solid defensive work, makes him a unique and compelling candidate.
Saïss’s complete “Best 11 Mates” list, which was revealed in the video, includes a mix of his former and current teammates:
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Right-Back: Achraf Hakimi
- Left-Back: Noussair Mazraoui
- Center-Backs: Nayef Aguerd and Medhi Benatia
- Midfielders: Rúben Neves and Ivan Rakitić
- Right Winger: Hakim Ziyech
- Number 10/Winger: Riyad Mahrez
- Left Winger: Akram Afif
- Striker: Diogo Jota
While the full list is a testament to the talent Saïss has played alongside, his words about Hakimi stand out, signaling a strong belief in the right-back’s ability to reach the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport.
افضل 11 لاعب مع رومان سايس 🔝#السد |#معسكر_السد_2025 pic.twitter.com/HkTyFXq93M
— 🏆 #81 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 31, 2025
Posted on Al Sadd SC Twitter page
