Surprise Ballon d’Or Contender: Achraf Hakimi Joins the Race for 2025 Title

As the football calendar becomes increasingly packed, discussions about the Ballon d’Or have never been more fervent. The successor to 2024 winner Rodri will be revealed in September, and while some familiar names are in contention, unexpected candidates are also making waves.

Dembélé and Yamal: Leading the charge

Ousmane Dembélé, the leading scorer for Europe’s top team, is naturally in the running for this prestigious individual accolade. Meanwhile, Spain’s Lamine Yamal continues to dazzle with his extraordinary talent. However, several other players have made significant impacts this season.

Other notable contenders

The likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Vitinha, Pedri, Raphinha, Kylian Mbappé, and Achraf Hakimi have also left their mark. Hakimi, in particular, has caught attention by scoring crucial goals in the Champions League quarter-finals against Aston Villa, semi-finals against Arsenal, and the final against Inter Milan. His national team coach, Walid Regragui, believes the right-back deserves recognition.

Hakimi’s unexpected bid for glory

Hakimi’s African heritage and defensive position might be obstacles, according to Regragui. “Being African and a defender could be a disadvantage,” he stated during a press conference. “In Africa, we’re often harder on our own, both coaches and players. But he deserves a spot at the Ballon d’Or table. I said before the Champions League final that he should be in contention for the African Ballon d’Or and now for the global one.”

Regragui continued, “With the Club World Cup on the horizon, the challenges for Achraf are clear. But we must rally behind him. For once, we have a player of this caliber who can compete at this level. In my opinion, he belongs in the top three, and not just as the third choice.”