Niger national team head coach Badou Zaki has backed a certain African star to win this year’s Ballon d'Or.
Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi has been turning heads with a string of standout performances for the French giants, and his name is now being mentioned in the conversation for the prestigious individual award.
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Hakimi has enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 season with PSG, showcasing a perfect blend of defensive solidity and world-class attacking prowess that has been instrumental in the club’s success.
The Moroccan international played a key role in helping PSG clinch the Ligue 1 title, two domestic trophies, the Coupe de France, the Trophee des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League, where they dismantled Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
In addition to the team’s achievements, the 26-year-old also earned several individual accolades, further strengthening his case. As a result, Badou Zaki believes it is time for Hakimi to be given his due recognition by claiming the Ballon d'Or.
"Given Achraf Hakimi's performance over the last two seasons, the titles he has won, his consistency, his efficiency and the statistics he is currently displaying, there is no doubt that he will be named Ballon d'Or this year, If, of course, these criteria are met," Zaki told 360 Sport, per Afrik-foot.
"He's a key player in Luis Enrique's system. If we want to neutralize PSG, we have to stop Achraf, which is impossible.
"This boy was wronged when he was strangely deprived of the African Ballon d'Or, but that's in the past," he added.
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"Now, Achraf Hakimi has set the bar very high and I don't see how he can be pushed aside in front of Yamal, Dembélé or others. He is unquestionably the best in every respect."
Hakimi now stands amongst contenders for world football's top individual honour, alongside his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, just to mention a few.
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