Former Real Madrid defender Achraf Hakimi is in the running to clinch the 2025 Ballon d’Or later this year.
The Morocco international has developed into a vital part of Luis Enrique’s side following his 2021 move from Inter Milan to PSG.
As a rampaging right-back in 2024/25, he scored 11 goals across all competitions, with PSG clinching a trophy quadruple including a first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
His status as on of the best in the world in his position is clear alongside current Los Blancos duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dai Carvajal.
The 26-year-old is one of four defenders included on the shortlist, alongside teammate Nuno Mendes, plus Virgil van Dijk and Denzel Dumfries.
Fabio Cannavaro’s 2006 win was the last time a defender lifted the award, with Van Dijk ending second in 2019, but Hakimi believes he could have a real chance.
“When they put me in the Ballon d’Or debate, it’s a dream. If I have a chance of winning, I think I deserve it too,” as per quotes from Marca.
“The season I’ve just had is historic, and there aren’t many players who have scored in the quarter finals, semi finals and final, playing as a defender.
“People often think I’m an attacker, but I’m a defender, in a back four, and it’s more complicated.
“The stats I’ve achieved this year aren’t those of a normal defender, and when a defender does that, I think he deserves it more than a striker.”
Despite his confidence, the favourites for the award appear to be clear, as a straight shootout between clubmate Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
Dembele enjoyed the season of his life in Paris, with 35 goals scored in 53 appearances, as Lamine Yamal won a domestic treble at Barcelona with the 18-year-old notching 18 goals on the right-side of Hansi Flick’s potent attack.
adedefender
0
are you stupid? Raphi has the most goal in the ucl and most assist most chances created and also did well in the league what madness do you speak raphi nail every one by stats in the ucl .what ucl did you watch raphi stats are way better than dembele but dembele won the ucl .You have to be insane
Ur mama, I swear
ericjolie69
0
Judging from ur stats, even Nuno Mendes should come before Raphinha. An all-round performer last season and a UCL champion
no one was better in the ucl than raphi or had a better individual season over all than him. You are crazy dude go and check raphi whole season before you talk this madness .infact in down in class, sir .better yet, I have several seat in the back of the class
ericjolie69
0
No debate! Dembele should be the outright winner
are you stupid? Raphi has the most goal in the ucl and most assist most chances created and also did well in the league what madness do you speak raphi nail every one by stats in the ucl .what ucl did you watch raphi stats are way better than dembele but dembele won the ucl .You have to be insane
adedefender
0
how dembele was only good the 2nd half of the season Raphina was good the entired season.So going by stats Raphina crush everyone last season ....... all dembele has is the UCL. And as we have seen before, you don't need to win the UCL to get the Ballon d or
Judging from ur stats, even Nuno Mendes should come before Raphinha. An all-round performer last season and a UCL champion
ruhabmoy
0
then everybody does
kelvin77_
0
No debate! Dembele should be the outright winner
just because he thrashed madrid 4nil 😂😂😂😂
ericjolie69
0
No debate! Dembele should be the outright winner
how dembele was only good the 2nd half of the season Raphina was good the entired season.So going by stats Raphina crush everyone last season ....... all dembele has is the UCL. And as we have seen before, you don't need to win the UCL to get the Ballon d or
ericjolie69
0
he deserves more than any body,
ericjolie69
0
lol 😆 🤣 😂 😆 🤣 😂
adedefender
0
Raphina has better stats it should be him
Sentimental olodo. Grow up
SOCCERURP11
0
No debate! Dembele should be the outright winner
Raphina has better stats it should be him
Sasbdiopsu
2
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?
Stop rushing first read and understand the statement
PrimeGeorge07
1
I think there’s a mistake in this post but, well if there isn’t a mistake then the ballor d’or should be given to Hansi Flick since one of the criteria now is someone who’s best in his position so Hansi Fluck deserves it . Rubbish.
NanbalRaphael
1
African best trophy 🏆🏆🏆🏆 for you no doubt about that
EAG1996
0
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?
Didn’t u see former
Buzbdlmtuz
0
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?
na😂😂😂
Ranbdensy
1
What a player Achraf Hakimi: The jet-heeled Morocco full-back, made in the ...Achraf Hakimi played for Real Madrid's first team from 2017 to 2018. He was promoted to the first team in 2017 after playing for Real Madrid Castilla. He then went on a two-year loan to Borussia Dortmund before being sold to Inter Milan 2020
Ranbdensy
0
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?
That was 2017
Gamer15
2
Makes sense since Rodri won
Hiwcklor
0
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?
the said former real Madrid star please understand
Zebcimnr
1
The best there is in that position.
adedefender
5
No debate! Dembele should be the outright winner
nuheoprty
1
he deserves more than any body,
deecklsy
1
but wait, is hakimi playing for real Madrid or PSG na?