Since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Achraf Hakimi has developed into one of the best right-backs in world football. Born in Spain, Hakimi debuted for Real Madrid in 2017, having spent a decade in the club’s youth academy. After a smattering of appearances for Los Blancos, Hakimi joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in 2018.
Spending two seasons in Germany allowed Hakimi to play consistent first-team football and upon the conclusion of his loan, the defender moved to Italy, joining Inter. Hakimi would play in Milan for just one campaign, helping the Nerazzurri win their first Serie A title in over a decade and showcasing tremendous ability in the process.
Hakimi’s form for Inter attracted the attention of PSG, then under the management of Mauricio Pochettino. The Morocco international has been a mainstay in the Parisian side ever since his arrival and under Luis Enrique’s guidance, helped PSG win their first-ever Champions League last season.
Hakimi spent the latest campaign playing alongside a revitalised Ousmane Dembele, one of the leading candidates for the 2025 Ballon d’Or with the likes of Lamine Yamal, who enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign for Barcelona, amongst many other contenders. The defender recently spoke to Canal+ as per TNT Sports about who he feels has a chance at winning the prestigious award.
‘I Think I Deserve It Too’
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Hakimi revealed that he feels his name should at least be in consideration for winning this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Moroccan international is part of the 30-man shortlist that was recently revealed, with the winner scheduled to be announced in September. Discussing the award, Hakimi said:
"When people put me in the Ballon d'Or debate, it's a dream I never thought about. If I have the chance to win it, I think I deserve it too. After the historic season I had - there aren't many players who have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final - while it's more difficult as a defender.
“People think I'm a striker or a midfielder, but no, I play in a line of four, and I have to think about defending. The statistics I've had this year are not those of a normal defender. I think when a defender does that, he deserves more than a striker.”
The aforementioned Dembele was perhaps the focal point of praise during PSG’s latest full campaign, the Frenchman having adapted seamlessly to Enrique’s system. Hakimi, however, was also a vital component of the team’s attack, notching 27 goal contributions across all competitions.
As Hakimi himself noted, such numbers are rarely seen from a defensive player and not only did the 26-year-old score, but he scored in important games. Three of Hakimi’s Champions League goals, by his own admission, came in the quarter-finals or deeper in the competition.
Hakimi will, no doubt, continue to be a key part of Enrique’s side for the foreseeable future. Winning a Ballon d’Or may be unlikely for Hakimi, mainly due to some of the other names that are in contention and the tendency for attacking players to win the trophy. It is clear, however, that the right-back would certainly have a strong argument to win the award.