Ousmane Dembélé Ballon d’Or 2025? Achraf Hakimi’s Resounding Opinion

Ousmane Dembélé is having the season of his life at Paris Saint-Germain, and the discussions around his potential candidacy for the 2025 Ballon d’Or are gaining traction. Long criticized for his inconsistency and lack of end product, the French winger has finally found the perfect formula in Paris. His explosive performances, marked by 26 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, have turned skeptics into believers. Among his biggest supporters is none other than Achraf Hakimi, who believes his teammate has what it takes to claim football’s most prestigious individual honor.

Speaking to beIN Sports, the Moroccan full-back didn’t hold back in his praise for Dembélé. “Yes, he is a player capable of that. He is different, and the statistics speak for him. I hope he will continue like this, even if he has not yet reached his peak, but I think he will get there,” Hakimi said. These words carry weight, as Hakimi has played alongside some of the best players in the world, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid.

Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG is nothing short of spectacular. Once seen as a talented yet unreliable winger, his move from Barcelona to the French capital raised eyebrows. Many doubted whether he could live up to expectations, especially after years of injury setbacks and fluctuating form. However, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, he has unlocked a new dimension in his game. His dribbling, already among the most lethal in world football, is now complemented by ruthless efficiency in front of goal.

The turning point has been his ability to convert chances. In the past, Dembélé dazzled fans with his speed and trickery but often left them frustrated with poor decision-making in the final third. This season, he has shown a newfound composure, regularly finding the net and creating decisive moments for PSG. Even Hakimi has noticed the shift. “Before, he didn’t score much, but now he understands that he has to score more and provide assists. That’s the most important thing when you play up front,” the Moroccan added.

Yet, while his numbers are impressive, winning the Ballon d’Or requires more than just individual brilliance. The likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even Kylian Mbappé have set a precedent—historic performances in major competitions often define the winner. This is where Dembélé’s journey will be truly tested. The Champions League remains the ultimate proving ground, and should he lead PSG to European glory with defining performances, his case for the Ballon d’Or will become undeniable.

PSG’s season has been largely successful so far, with the team dominating domestically and advancing deep into the Champions League. However, their real challenge lies ahead. The quarter-finals and beyond will test Dembélé’s credentials at the highest level. If he delivers in crunch moments—be it a match-winning goal in the semis or a game-changing display in the final—his name will surely be among the frontrunners for the award.

Of course, he faces stiff competition. Kylian Mbappé remains the face of PSG and will be a strong contender, especially if he shines for France in the upcoming international tournaments. Jude Bellingham has been sensational at Real Madrid, while players like Mohamed Salah, Vinícius Jr., and even Raphinha have been putting up performances worthy of recognition. The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be a fierce battle, with multiple superstars vying for the crown.

Dembélé’s biggest challenge now is consistency. One great season isn’t enough to guarantee individual awards. He needs to maintain this level of excellence, not just in Ligue 1 but on the European stage. His injury record has been a concern in the past, and PSG fans will be hoping he can stay fit for the most crucial part of the season.

The winger has always had immense talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to reach the pinnacle of world football. It takes dedication, mentality, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This season, he has shown glimpses of that. His goal tally is proof of his evolution, and his performances against top opposition have been eye-catching. But the final verdict will depend on whether he can produce those magical moments that separate great players from true legends.

For Dembélé, the next few months will be career-defining. He has already achieved a lot, but winning the Ballon d’Or would place him in an entirely different category. Only a handful of French players have lifted the prestigious award—Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, and Zinedine Zidane are among the few. If Dembélé joins that elite list, it would cement his legacy as one of the greatest wingers of his generation.

Achraf Hakimi’s confidence in his teammate is a testament to Dembélé’s transformation. When a player like Hakimi, who has shared the pitch with some of football’s greatest icons, endorses you for the Ballon d’Or, it speaks volumes. But in football, words only go so far. The real statement will have to come on the pitch.

Dembélé has all the tools—dribbling, pace, finishing, and now, a growing sense of responsibility. If he continues at this level and leads PSG to their first-ever Champions League triumph, his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or will skyrocket. It’s a long road, but one that he seems more than ready to walk.

For now, the footballing world watches in anticipation. Will Dembélé maintain his blistering form? Can he outshine Mbappé and other contenders on the biggest stage? The answers will unfold in the coming months. But one thing is certain: Ousmane Dembélé is no longer just a player with potential. He is a superstar in his own right, and the Ballon d’Or conversation is no longer just a dream—it’s a genuine possibility.