Herve Renard, the former head coach of Morocco, has publicly endorsed PSG’s Achraf Hakimi as his top pick for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or award. Renard believes Hakimi’s stellar performances this season place him ahead of notable contenders such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Kylian Mbappe. In Renard’s assessment, the Moroccan international stands out as Africa’s finest football talent right now, given his impactful season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1. Hakimi’s Dominance in Club and International Competitions Achraf Hakimi has enjoyed an outstanding campaign with PSG, contributing significantly to the club’s domestic and international successes. His contributions were vital to PSG’s UEFA Champions League victory. However, despite his brilliance, PSG suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, a result that dampened their otherwise triumphant run. Renard, who coached Hakimi during his tenure with the Moroccan national team from 2016 to 2019, shared his thoughts in an interview with Morocco Worldwide News. His remarks were further highlighted by TNT Sports. “He is one of the best players in the world today. For me, he deserves the Ballon d’Or this season,” Renard expressed. The veteran coach also emphasized Hakimi’s consistency throughout his club career, spanning Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and currently PSG. “Today, Achraf Hakimi is undoubtedly the best player on the African continent,” Renard added confidently. When Will the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony Hold? The organisers of the Ballon d’Or, France Football, have scheduled the 2025 award event for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This annual event celebrates the world’s best football talents based on their performances within the year. Final Thoughts With growing support for Hakimi’s Ballon d’Or candidacy, many African football fans are hopeful that the PSG star will bring the prestigious honour to the continent. The 2025 ceremony promises to be a highly competitive event with players from across Europe and Africa vying for the top football accolade.
