Ballon d'or: Adil Hermach picks Achraf Hakimi as winner | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi

Adil Hermach, former Moroccan international, backs Achraf Hakimi to lift the 2025 Ballon d'Or on September 22.

According to the former Atlas Lion, Achraf Hakimi is the clear favorite. He revealed this in an exclusive interview with Afrik-Foot. "For me, he’s the frontrunner. We don’t all have to agree! But for a full-back to have a season like that, I think it’s unprecedented," he stated. With 11 goals and 16 assists this season, Hakimi has set new standards for his position while remaining a defensive cornerstone.

Hermach goes on to emphasize how the PSG right-back has left his mark on the year with his extraordinary impact. "A full-back this decisive, it’s unheard of. It’s also PSG’s first ever Champions League title… There’s always debate around the Ballon d’Or, whether defenders and attackers are judged by the same standards, maybe this time they’ll highlight a defender. The criteria aren’t always clear, but Hakimi’s consistency has been incredible," he analyzed.

For Hermach, Hakimi brings value far beyond the stats: "The influence he has on this PSG side and for the national team, you have to factor that in too. If Morocco has come this far, it’s also thanks to him. I wouldn’t have wanted to play against him today! For me, he’s clearly reinvented the role. It’s unprecedented. If a full-back is ever to be rewarded, it should be him."