Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has made a bold statement following his nomination for the 2025 Mens Ballon d'Or.
The 26-year-old versatile full-back is amongst the 30 nominees for this year's Men's Ballon d'Or accolade, alongside two other African stars.
READ | African side picks Orlando Stadium for WCQ
Egyptian and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Serhou Guirassy, who plays for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund and represents the Guinea national team, also made the prestigious shortlist.
Hakimi's nomination follows an outstanding 2024/25 season with PSG, where he played a crucial role in helping the club secure the Ligue 1 title, the UEFA Champions League, and two domestic cup trophies.
The dynamic right-back joins teammates Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha on the list of contenders, while Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is also in the running.
Despite playing in a traditionally less celebrated position, Hakimi believes his contributions, both in defense and attack, make him a deserving potential winner or the 2025 Ballon d'Or award.
"If I have the opportunity to win it, I think I deserve it too," Hakim said to Canal+, according French Football Weekly.
"After the historical season I made, there are not many players who scored in quarters, half and in the final – while it is more difficult as a defender.
READ | Euro club pounces with 'R16M' move for Rulani talent
"People think I am an attacker or no midfielder, but no, I play in a four line and I must think about defending.
"The statistics I had this year are not those of a normal defender. I think that when a defender does that, he deserves more than an attacker."
