Morocco star Achraf Hakimi eyes Ballon d’Or but puts PSG titles first

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi says he hopes to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or but insists that team success remains his biggest priority as Paris Saint-Germain prepare for a highly competitive awards ceremony.

The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender was speaking to CBS Sports after the French champions’ 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Hakimi, who has earned a second consecutive Ballon d’Or nomination, also expressed his desire to see one of his PSG teammates claim the prestigious individual prize.

“I hope one of Paris Saint-Germain’s players can bring this award to Paris, and that we celebrate it with the fans and the team,” Hakimi said, according to Foot Mercato.

Hakimi admits Ballon d’Or ambition

The Moroccan right-back acknowledged that winning the Ballon d’Or remains a personal ambition, although he would not regard missing out as a disappointment.

“It is a special award, and everyone hopes to win it, but even if I don’t win it, I am very happy to be nominated. For me, the most important thing is the team’s titles,” he explained.

Hakimi finished sixth in the 2025 edition, marking one of the highest individual achievements of his career.

His latest nomination comes after another successful European campaign for PSG, who retained their Champions League crown by beating Arsenal in the 2026 final.

Morocco star faces competition from PSG team-mates

PSG have a record ten players among the 30 Ballon d’Or nominees, surpassing their previous total of nine in 2025, when Ousmane Dembélé won the award after helping the club secure their first Champions League title.

The number of nominees underlines the strength of the Parisian squad but also means Hakimi faces competition from several of his own team-mates.

The Moroccan defender played an important role in Luis Enrique’s side during the 2025-2026 campaign, making 13 Champions League appearances and registering six assists.

His tally was the joint third-highest in the competition, further highlighting his contribution to PSG’s European success.

PSG victory over Manchester City boosts confidence

Hakimi’s comments followed PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, when the reigning European champions established a three-goal lead before half-time.

Despite two second-half goals from Erling Haaland, PSG held on to secure an important win.

Hakimi and his team-mates will discover the outcome of the Ballon d’Or race on 26 October, when the ceremony takes place in London.

The Morocco international remains among the contenders, with the final outcome set to determine whether he can turn his second consecutive nomination into the biggest individual prize in football.