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Four Moroccan players have been named on the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist. Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Lamine Yamal and Ayyoub Bouaddi have all impressed this season with strong performances at the club and international level.
Achraf Hakimi: Key Player in PSG’s Treble
Achraf Hakimi featured in 63 games for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions in 2024–25, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists. His contributions helped PSG win the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup.
French newspaper L’Équipe praised Hakimi’s “remarkable attacking prowess,” saying he consistently “showcased remarkable attacking prowess.” ESPN described his season as “exceptional” and said he was “the engine in PSG’s treble-winning side, proving vital in both attack and defence.”
Hakimi was named on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist in August 2025, joining seven of his PSG teammates. ESPN noted this “recognition of Hakimi’s rise to the world’s elite.”
Yassine Bounou: The Moroccan Spiderman
Yassine Bounou was Al Hilal’s first-choice goalkeeper, playing 31 Saudi Pro League matches with nine clean sheets and 54 appearances in total with 19 clean sheets.
FIFA called Bounou “one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era” after his performances at the 2024 Club World Cup. They highlighted his “heroic penalty save against Real Madrid and a remarkable 11 saves in the semi-final against Manchester City.”
Al Hilal manager Bruno Génésio said: “Bounou’s experience and shot-stopping have been critical for the team. His World Cup performances in 2022 have only reinforced his confidence and leadership.”
ESPN noted that Bounou was “one of the few goalkeepers to make the list this year, reflecting his outstanding form.”
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Teen Prodigy
Lamine Yamal, just turned 18, made 35 La Liga appearances for Barcelona, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists. He helped Barcelona win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
ESPN likened Yamal to a young Lionel Messi and said he was “a slight favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or,” alongside Dembélé.
Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo called him “the standout young talent of the season” and “the new king among youth players.”
Yamal was also nominated for the 2024–25 Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. L’Équipe said the award recognises his “exceptional impact at a young age.”
Marca described Yamal as having “vision, dribbling, and intelligence on the ball [that] set him apart as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.”
Ayyoub Bouaddi: Lille’s Promising Midfielder
Seventeen-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille. While he did not score or assist, his calmness and technical ability were noted.
He made his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday and played a key role in Lille’s win over Real Madrid.
Lille coach Bruno Génésio said: “He has the talent to play at the highest level. His maturity is exceptional for someone so young.”
Academy director Georges Tournay said Bouaddi was “destined for success” and compared him to Raphaël Varane.
Bouaddi was nominated for the 2025 Kopa Trophy alongside Yamal. French media called him “the Moroccan-French rising star” and “one of the most promising young talents worldwide.”
Morocco’s Growing Presence
Morocco’s four players on the France Football award list show the country’s rise in football talent. Hakimi’s attacking and defensive qualities make him a world-class full-back. Bounou remains a key figure in goal. Yamal and Bouaddi offer youthful promise and maturity.
As ESPN said: “Moroccan football is no longer on the periphery but firmly part of the global conversation.”
