Former Morocco national team coach Herve Renard has named Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi as his pick for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, citing the player’s standout performances for club and country.
In an interview with Morocco Worldwide News, Renard, who managed Hakimi between 2016 and 2019, praised the 25-year-old as “one of the best players in the world today.” He added, “For me, he is the Ballon d’Or of this season.”
Renard argued that Hakimi outperformed several high-profile players this year, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Vitinha. He described the Moroccan international as the best player in Africa at the moment.
Hakimi played a central role in PSG’s successful 2024/25 season, helping the club secure domestic titles and its first-ever UEFA Champions League crown. However, the team fell short in the FIFA Club World Cup final, suffering a 3-0 loss to Chelsea.
Despite the defeat, Renard emphasized Hakimi’s consistent form across multiple seasons and leagues — from his early days at Borussia Dortmund, through Inter Milan, and now at PSG.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, organized by France Football, is scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
