Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh has made an interesting choice about who he believes should win the 2025 Ballon d'Or award. The world's elite are all competing to be crowned the best player in the world, with some stellar 2024/25 seasons advancing the case for certain individuals.
Paris Saint-Germain players, particularly Ousmane Dembele, benefitted from completing a fantastic treble, including a maiden Champions League. The Frenchman is currently among the frontrunners for the award, along with Barcelona's young prodigy Lamine Yamal.
The Spaniard has also enjoyed a fantastic season, scoring 18 times in 55 games in all competitions while also assisting his teammates on 25 occasions as Barca won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. But, despite the duo's success, Chamakh believes there is a player more deserving of the Ballon d'Or crown.
Chamakh Names his Ballon d'Or Winner
Player's performances at Club World Cup important
Marouane Chamakh - Arsenal
Speaking to TFT Morocco, via TNT Sports, Chamakh named Achraf Hakimi as his pick for the Ballon d'Or prize. The Moroccan was at the heart PSG's treble, with his attacking runs down the right-flank wreaking havoc both in France and in Europe.
In total, Hakimi played 55 games for his side last term, scoring 11 times and assisting a further 16 goals - impressive numbers for a defender. For Chamakh, though, it was the 26-year-old's performances at the Club World Cup which separated him from the likes of Dembele and Yamal, despite PSG losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the final.
"Hakimi has had an incredible season, and to be honest, if there was anyone that was unsure before the Club World Cup, I think there he separated himself from the two or three other likely nominees," he said.
"I’m speaking objectively, not merely from the perspective of Marouane, the Moroccan. Speaking objectively, I feel from the bottom of my heart that Achraf Hakimi deserves this Ballon d’Or.
"He plays in a position that means people may doubt [he’s a worthy Ballon d’Or winner], because it’s not a position that the media values."
Chamakh then added: "I think he could be a double Ballon d’Or winner, which means winning the Ballon d’Or and being named African Footballer of the Year. That would be something exceptional. But he must know in the eyes of all Moroccans he will be our Ballon d’Or winner."
Hakimi Happy to be in Contention for Ballon d'Or
'It's a pleasure, an honour for me'
Speaking at the Club World Cup after PSG advanced to the last 16, Hakimi said that it was an honour for him to be included in the running for this year's Ballon d'Or prize. However, he said that he wasn't getting caught up in the hype, and that he was just going to concentrate on his game.
"If people think I'm a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, I'm very happy; it's a pleasure, an honour for me. I'm in great shape, I feel good. I think I had a magnificent season.
"I want to keep going, to keep giving my all for my team or for my country, Morocco, and after, it is for you [journalists] to decide who wins."
No shortage of PSG players who could potentially claim the award this year, with Gary Lineker picking Gianluigi Donarumma as a potential outside shout after the Italian kept five clean sheets in Europe's premier tournament. The winner will be revealed on Monday 22 September, with the nominees revealed in August.