While there are many calls for one of the duo, Lamine Yamal and Rafinha, to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, former Morocco national team coach and current Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard has a different opinion.
The Frenchman believes that the most deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or is Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi, who has played a pivotal role with the capital club and played as important a role as Dembélé in achieving the historic treble.
“Achraf Hakimi is one of the best players in the world right now, and for me, he will win the Ballon d’Or this season. He has been exceptional, consistent, and decisive at every level he has played,” Renard said in a press statement.
Hakimi participated in 55 matches with PSG last season, scoring 11 goals, including one in the Champions League final, and providing 17 assists.
The Moroccan lion also participated in the 2025 Club World Cup, scoring two goals and providing two assists. With the exception of the final against Chelsea, he was one of Luis Enrique’s standout performers.
France Football magazine is scheduled to announce the final list of nominees at the end of August, and the award will be presented to the winner on September 20 at a grand ceremony in Paris.
