Former Inter Milan star, Achraf Hakimi, has entered as a surprise contended to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a miraculous season with PSG.
Will Achraf Hakimi Win Ballon d’Or?
The Moroccan international enjoyed a career-defining season during the 2024/25 campaign, as PSG won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history.
Luis Enrique’s side inflicted a crushing defeat on Inter Milan in the final, securing a 5-0 victory which is the biggest win in any Champions League final.
Hakimi played a crucial part in the French side’s European triumph, while also being a pivotal member of PSG’s league-title win, as the full-back made 55 appearances across all competitions and contributed with 27 goals (11G + 16A).
His performances in Europe caught the eye across the world, as the 26-year-old scored in both the semi-final victory over Arsenal and the final against his former side, Inter.
During his time in Italy, Hakimi set the world alight with the Nerazzurri, making 45 appearances in 2020/21 and winning the Serie A title before signing for PSG.
The Serie A side managed to find a suitable replacement for the Moroccan star with Deznel Dumfries, but Inter are reportedly looking into the signing of Rico Lewis as the Dutchman’s future in Milan is far from certain.
Hakimi’s performance against Inter in the Champions League final, alongside the fact he contributed to almost 30 goals from full-back, has put the defender high in the list of potential Ballon d’Or candidates.
Known for being soccer’s biggest prize on an individual basis, the Ballon d’Or has been dominated by attacking players in recent years and has not been won by a defender since 2006.
The award was handed to Fabio Cannavaro after his performances for Juventus and Italy, helping his nation win the 2006 World Cup – holding the captain’s armband for the Azzurri.
To win the award, Hakimi would need to edge out some star names from across Europe and also some players from his own team, with Ousmane Demeble and Vitinha also being tipped to win the Golden Ball.
Who Is Favorite To Win Ballon d’Or?
- Ousmane Dembele
- Lamine Yamal
- Vitinha
- Achraf Hakimi
- Fabian Ruiz
- Raphinha
- Mohamed Salah
- Cole Palmer
- Nuno Mendes
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Kylian Mbappe
As previously mentioned, Hakimi will face some stiff competitions from multiple names around the globe and according to betting apps, Ousmane Demeble is the most likely winner.
The Frenchman enjoyed his best season as a professional soccer player, contributing to 51 goals in 53 appearances for the Parisian side (35G +16A).
Another possible winner could be teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, who set the world alight during the La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
The Barcelona star contributed to 43 goals across all competitions, while also winning La Liga, Copa del Ray and Copa de Espana in an almost perfect season.
His Barcelona teammate, Raphinha, is also a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or after ending the season with 18 league goals and the same trio of trophies.
Premier League duo, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer will be keeping one-eye on the Ballon d’or, as the Egyptian won the Premier League title and Golden Boot while Palmer raised both the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
