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Rabat — While much of the spotlight at Paris Saint-Germain falls on Ousmane Dembélé, Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi has been quietly making a compelling case for himself as a serious contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
AFP released a recent report extolling the Moroccan international, saying he has strengthened his bid with standout performances throughout the season, including a strong showing at the Club World Cup.
The prestigious award, which will be presented on September 22, has rarely gone to a defender — and never to a full-back. At the start of the season, Hakimi’s name was far from any shortlist of likely winners.
Yet week after week, the 26-year-old has impressed with remarkable consistency, outshining even his more celebrated teammate Dembélé, who himself has enjoyed a prolific, goal-filled campaign.
Hakimi has embodied the qualities of the modern full-back: blistering pace, relentless runs up and down the flank, pinpoint passing and crossing, and sharp tactical awareness. His exceptional fitness — which he credits to both natural ability and meticulous preparation — has also been key.
“It’s something God gave me — this cardio power for sustained effort,” he told reporters in May. “I also have a personal trainer and nutritionist, and the coach has managed my playing time well so I can always stay in top shape.”
This season has also seen Hakimi tactically, evolve, cutting inside more often to combine with teammates or switch play across the field — a reflection of his ability to bring coach Luis Enrique’s vision to life.
“Luis Enrique has taken my game to a level I didn’t think possible,” Hakimi admitted. “He helped me become a more complete player.”
Typically reserved with the media, the Moroccan defender nevertheless acknowledged the personal and professional growth he has experienced this year. “I’m very happy with my season, one of my best. I’ve grown both as a footballer and as a person. I feel more confident, more mature, and more experienced,” he said.
Even his coach has heaped praise on him, saying: “I’ve never seen a better right-back — he has enormous potential and still room to grow.” Asked about the Ballon d’Or, Luis Enrique mentioned Dembélé first but quickly added Hakimi’s name to the conversation.
Statistically, Hakimi’s contributions speak volumes: 11 goals and 14 assists in 52 matches. Despite also competing at the Paris Olympics, he has finished the season strongly, already netting twice at the Club World Cup.
To crown his extraordinary campaign, Hakimi won the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, awarded by RFI and France 24 to the best African player in Ligue 1, chosen by a panel of 100 jurors.
In the shadow of PSG’s star-studded lineup, Hakimi has emerged as one of the club’s most indispensable players — and, a legitimate Ballon d’Or contender.
