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Achraf Hakimi Nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or After Stellar Season with PSG
A surprising contender: Achraf Hakimi joins the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
**Paris, 2025** – Achraf Hakimi, the former Real Madrid defender, has emerged as a formidable candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, a testament to his exceptional performance in recent seasons.
A key player for PSG under Luis Enrique
The **Moroccan international** has become indispensable for Paris Saint-Germain since his transfer from Inter Milan in 2021. **In the 2024/25 season, Hakimi scored 11 goals across all competitions**, significantly contributing to PSG’s historic quadruple victory, which included their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Standing among the world’s elite defenders
Hakimi’s outstanding abilities have placed him among the top in his position, alongside **Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal** from Real Madrid. Now 26, he is one of just four defenders shortlisted for the prestigious award, alongside **Nuno Mendes, Virgil van Dijk, and Denzel Dumfries**.
Breaking the norm for defensive players
The last defender to win the Ballon d’Or was **Fabio Cannavaro in 2006**. Although Van Dijk came close in 2019, Hakimi believes his achievements give him a legitimate shot. **”Being part of the Ballon d’Or conversation is a dream. If I win, I think I deserve it,”** he stated confidently.
Exceptional season performance
Hakimi described his last season as historic, pointing out that few defenders have managed to score in both the quarterfinals and finals of major tournaments. **”People often mistake me for a forward, but I am a defender in a back four, which is more challenging,”** he explained. His performance metrics, typically associated with attacking players, underscore his unique impact on the field.
Top contenders in a competitive field
Despite Hakimi’s confidence, the competition is fierce. **Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal** are strong contenders, with Dembélé having his best season yet, scoring 35 goals in 53 appearances for PSG. Meanwhile, **the young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal** led his team to a national treble, scoring 18 times from the right wing.
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, **Achraf Hakimi’s remarkable achievements** place him as a strong candidate despite the tough competition.
