Ballon d’Or: Is Hakimi Reviving Everything with His Brilliance at PSG?

Achraf Hakimi’s sensational performance in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph has reignited the Ballon d’Or debate in stunning fashion. The Moroccan right-back, often lauded for his defensive consistency, stunned the football world with a dazzling attacking display at the Allianz Arena, scoring the opener in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan.

From the first whistle, Hakimi set the tone. In the 12th minute, following an inch-perfect pass from teenage sensation Désiré Doué, he slotted the ball into the back of the net with the composure of a seasoned striker. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a declaration. Hakimi wasn’t here to just defend. He was here to dominate — and possibly to take home football’s most prestigious individual award.

This wasn’t an isolated moment of brilliance. Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Hakimi has been a central figure in Luis Enrique’s PSG revolution. With 9 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, the Moroccan has elevated the full-back role into a position of creative authority. He’s no longer just a support act; he’s a lead performer.

Against Inter, his performance embodied everything PSG has become: dynamic, ruthless, and efficient. While much of the pre-match hype revolved around big names like Ousmane Dembélé and Gianluigi Donnarumma, it was Hakimi who grabbed the spotlight — not through flashy tricks but through impactful contributions.

PSG’s victory, their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, is a watershed moment for the club and could be the defining platform for individual awards. With stars like Dembélé (who contributed directly to three goals in the final), Donnarumma (outstanding throughout the knockout stages), and young Doué (the final’s Man of the Match with two goals and an assist) all staking their claims for global recognition, it’s Hakimi who may have the most intriguing case for the Ballon d’Or.

Traditionally, defenders — especially full-backs — don’t get much love in Ballon d’Or voting. But Hakimi is rewriting that script. His attacking stats rival those of elite wingers. His defensive contributions remain top-class. And above all, he delivers on the biggest stages — quarter-final vs Aston Villa, semi-final vs Arsenal, and now, the grand finale.

Let’s not forget Hakimi’s consistency. In a season where PSG steamrolled both domestic and European competition, he was a constant. Whether against Ligue 1 minnows or continental giants, the Moroccan stood tall. His stamina, intelligence, and positional awareness have made him an irreplaceable figure in Luis Enrique’s tactical structure.

More importantly, Hakimi’s humility sets him apart. After scoring against his former club, Inter Milan, he chose not to celebrate. “I have great respect for the Inter fans. This is a special night, but I didn’t want to disrespect those who supported me,” he said post-match. That level of maturity and grace only boosts his reputation.

In addition to his club heroics, Hakimi also shone on the international stage. He was instrumental in Morocco securing a third-place finish at the 2024 Olympic Games, further strengthening his claim to be among the year’s most influential footballers. When combining club achievements, international impact, and individual brilliance, few players can match his 2025 portfolio.

Then there’s the comparison with fellow PSG teammate Ousmane Dembélé. The Frenchman, with 33 goals and 13 assists this season, is another strong Ballon d’Or candidate. However, many argue that Hakimi’s overall impact — both defensively and offensively — gives him an edge. While Dembélé dazzles in moments, Hakimi dominates across entire games.

Even Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was a wall in goal during the Champions League run, knows the Moroccan’s value. “Without Hakimi, many of our attacks don’t happen. He’s not just a defender; he’s a game-changer,” the Italian keeper remarked during an interview after the final.

So, could the Ballon d’Or committee finally break tradition and reward a right-back? The timing couldn’t be better. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer monopolizing the award, the door is wide open. The current frontrunners — Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé — all have strong cases. But none possess Hakimi’s rare blend of statistical output, team success, and character.

Luis Enrique, PSG’s mastermind, has built this team on versatility and tactical balance. But when it comes to unlocking defenses and transitioning play, Hakimi is often the catalyst. He embodies the modern full-back: fast, technical, relentless. And in 2025, he might become the first of his kind to win the Ballon d’Or.

With the awards ceremony scheduled for September 22, the world will be watching. PSG’s treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League — already puts their stars in pole position. But while others share the credit, Hakimi stands out as the silent engine who made it all tick.

Football’s highest individual honor is often reserved for the glamorous goal-scorers or midfield maestros. But this season, it may belong to a defender whose brilliance knows no bounds. Achraf Hakimi has done more than just impress — he has redefined excellence.

As fans, pundits, and legends weigh in over the coming months, one thing is certain: Hakimi has revived everything. And the Ballon d’Or may never look at full-backs the same way again.