Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi says being in the conversation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is a “dream” he never imagined, but believes his performances last season make him a worthy contender.
Hakimi is among nine PSG players on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, which will be presented at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22 — the most nominations ever from a single club.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2024/25, scoring 11 goals and providing 16 assists in 55 appearances from right-back. He played a pivotal role as PSG claimed a historic treble, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title — capped by a record 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the final.
“When people put me in the Ballon d’Or debate, it’s a dream I never thought about,” Hakimi told Canal+. “If I have the chance to win it, I think I deserve it too.”
Hakimi’s attacking influence proved decisive in PSG’s Champions League run, with goals in the quarter-finals against Aston Villa, the semi-finals against Arsenal, and the final against Inter.
“After the historic season I had, there aren’t many players who have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final — especially as a defender,” he added. “People think I’m a striker or midfielder, but I play in a back four. The statistics I’ve had this year are not those of a normal defender. When a defender does that, he deserves more than a striker.”
Hakimi will be up against teammates Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and other global stars when the winner is announced next month.
