2025 Ballon d’Or: Achraf Hakimi’s sixth-place finish sparks outrage in Morocco

Achraf Hakimi’s sixth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or has provoked a wave of anger and disappointment among Moroccan fans and observers, who had hoped to see him crowned the continent’s second-ever winner of the award after George Weah in 1995.

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football, was considered a strong contender for the prize following a remarkable season for both club and country.

Across 69 matches in all competitions, Hakimi played a decisive role in PSG’s five-trophy haul and was instrumental in Morocco’s international campaign.

Yet when the rankings were revealed at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday night, Hakimi failed to make even the top five.

The 26-year-old was placed behind eventual winner Ousmane Dembélé, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, PSG teammate Vitinha, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, and Barcelona’s Raphinha.

For many supporters, the outcome amounted to a stinging snub.

Hakimi, 6e 🤡

Le mettre hors-top 3 est un GIGA manque de respect. Faudrait peut être songer à choisir des votants qui suivent un peu. L’ensemble du classement est lunaire.

Félicitations à Hakimi, le Ballon d’Or du peuple, c’est toi. 🤍 🇲🇦

— Said Amdaa (@SaidAmdaa) September 22, 2025

“Hakimi, 6th,” wrote journalist Said Amdaa of RFI in a post on X, punctuated by a clown emoji to underline his disbelief.

He went on to add: Putting him out of the top 3 is a HUGE lack of respect. Maybe we should think about choosing voters who follow a little. The whole ranking is crazy.

Former Congolese U21 international Harrison Manzala also voiced his frustration, describing the decision as a 6th big madness, it must be said. His reaction echoed the widespread sentiment that Hakimi’s season merited far greater recognition.

The disappointment is particularly acute given the weight of history.

Africa has long waited for another Ballon d’Or triumph after Weah’s success 30 years ago, and Hakimi’s consistency, versatility, and influence had offered a rare opportunity for the continent to reclaim the accolade.

Hakimi 6ème grosse dinguerie faut le dire. https://t.co/YWuumGtl0M

— Harrison Manzala (@Manzala_) September 22, 2025

Instead, the Moroccan star must settle for a place outside the elite group of five, despite being a standout performer at both domestic and international level.

Some fans have gone as far as to suggest Hakimi should consider his future at PSG, noting that club president Nasser al-Khelaïfi has been more vocal in his support of Dembélé than of the Moroccan defender.

While speculation over his future is premature, the frustration highlights how deeply this perceived injustice has resonated with his supporters.

Hakimi will now turn his attention to the upcoming African Ballon d’Or, where he remains a leading candidate.

For Morocco and for Africa, however, the 2025 Ballon d’Or outcome represents a bitter reminder of how elusive global recognition remains for even the continent’s brightest stars.

🙏🏻 @AchrafHakimi quitte ce club de merde qui ne te respecte pas.

🇲🇦🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/WWNzV8OoVN

— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) September 22, 2025