Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez names Achraf Hakimi and Mohammed Salah among Ballon d’Or favourites

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has named Egyptian international Mohammed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi among the favourites to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.

The duo were included in the lists released last month following a standout performances for their respective clubs last season.

Hakimi excelled for Paris Saint Germain, who secured a historic treble during the 2024/25 football campaign.

On the other side, Salah played an instrumental role, helping Liverpool to annex the English Premier League title and also winning the Player of the Season and topscorer prizes.

However, Martinez, who plies hid trade for Inter Milan has named the duo among the top favourites to win the award.

“PSG has many candidates, and any of them can win, Hakimi and Dembele. I also really like Mohamed Salah, but it depends on how you evaluate everything. He had a great season in the Premier League, he won it, he’s a really interesting player,” he France Football magazine.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, September 22, 2025.