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Achraf Hakimi’s Stellar Season Overlooked for Ballon d’Or in Favor of Dembélé
Achraf Hakimi’s Ballon d’Or snub: A look into the injustice at PSG
Achraf Hakimi, a standout player for Paris Saint-Germain, has been overlooked for the Ballon d’Or despite an impressive season. His achievements, overshadowed by teammate Ousmane Dembélé, raise questions about the criteria for this prestigious award.
Hakimi’s impressive season and relentless endurance
**Achraf Hakimi’s extraordinary endurance** is evident in his incredible performance statistics. Throughout a demanding season, the Moroccan defender played **68 official matches**, including appearances for PSG, Morocco in the 2024 Olympics, and the Club World Cup. With **5,294 minutes on the field**, he was PSG’s most utilized player in the 2024-2025 season. Beyond his stamina, Hakimi’s **offensive contributions were significant**, scoring **11 goals and providing 15 assists** across all competitions, showcasing his technical prowess.
A key performer in crucial moments
**Hakimi’s influence shines in pivotal matches.** He broke the deadlock in the Champions League final against Inter Milan with a crucial goal, paving the way for PSG’s European triumph. His impact extended to other finals, delivering an assist in the Coupe de France final and provoking a penalty in the Trophée des Champions. These critical contributions were instrumental in PSG’s historic quadruple victory.
Overlooked in Ballon d’Or rankings
Despite his exceptional season, Hakimi’s **Ballon d’Or candidacy hasn’t gained traction.** In various power rankings, he trails behind teammates like Ousmane Dembélé and the young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. Notably, **Goal.com ranks him 10th**, while 90min excludes him from their Top 6. This surprising undervaluation raises eyebrows given his central role in PSG’s success.
Challenges for defenders and African players
The Ballon d’Or history suggests a **bias towards attacking players.** The last defender to win was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, and as a full-back, Hakimi faces an even steeper challenge. Additionally, there’s a potential **bias against African players**; in nearly 70 years, only George Weah, in 1995, has won from the continent. European dominance among voters may contribute to the limited recognition of non-European players’ performances.
Impact of a “small” football nation
Hakimi’s Moroccan nationality, while a source of pride, might limit his global media visibility. **Luis Enrique**, his coach, praised him as the “best right-back in the world.” Yet, Morocco’s lack of affiliation with European confederations might reduce the perceived impact of his international performances.
Statistical comparison with Dembélé and vote dispersion
A direct comparison with **Ousmane Dembélé** highlights the perceived injustice. Statistically, Dembélé’s 50 decisive actions (goals and assists) outshine Hakimi’s 26. However, this superficial analysis overlooks two key factors favoring Hakimi: his **endurance and crucial game impact.** With 5,294 minutes played, Hakimi is PSG’s marathon man, surpassing Dembélé’s 4,210 minutes. Moreover, in major finals, Hakimi’s involvement in three decisive actions contrasts with Dembélé’s single contribution. The risk of **split votes among PSG’s stars**, including Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, could further complicate Hakimi’s chances.
In conclusion, despite a record-breaking season and a decisive impact in crucial matches, **Achraf Hakimi remains an outsider** for the Ballon d’Or. While collective trophies highlight his contributions, the individual vote might tell a different story, one of unrecognized excellence.
