Ballon d'Or 2025: "Hakimi deserves it," says Luis Fernandez | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi

Former PSG coach Luis Fernandez has picked Achraf Hakimi as his Ballon d'Or 2025 winner.

In just over a month, the Ballon d'Or 2025 winner will be revealed. Achraf Hakimi has emerged as one of the most legitimate contenders after a phenomenal season. Luis Fernandez, an iconic figure of PSG and French football, is campaigning for the Moroccan star to take the crown.

Asked about Achraf Hakimi, Luis Fernandez made no effort to hide his admiration: "What Achraf Hakimi has achieved is incredible. He’s the full-back who has made the biggest impact this season in decisive matches—quarterfinals, semifinals, and the Champions League final. We must also give credit to Luis Enrique, who gave him the freedom to shine in this system. Hakimi seized that opportunity and delivered on the biggest stage."

On the supposed rivalry between Hakimi and Dembélé for the Ballon d'Or, Fernandez put things into perspective. "I don’t believe there’s any animosity in the PSG dressing room. This group delivered an extraordinary season. As I often say, football is a team sport. Without a united and cohesive squad, Paris wouldn’t have won all those titles. Hakimi and Dembélé are friends, perfectly complementing each other on the pitch. They operate down the same flank and combine seamlessly," he explained.

The former French international sees Hakimi as a worthy Ballon d'Or 2025 winner: "If Hakimi wins the Ballon d’Or, I won’t be upset—he deserves it for his consistency. Last year, when Rodri won the prize, many mentioned Dani Carvajal. That proves that defenders or more defensive-minded players can also claim this trophy. We too often forget that without them, strikers couldn’t shine. Hakimi has shown that a full-back can be decisive at the very highest level."