Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi places 13th in Ballon d’Or 2026

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has finished 13th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, seven places below his career-best sixth-place finish in 2025.

France Football announced the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s position on Monday as part of the countdown to the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

The 27-year-old was among the 30 nominees after another successful campaign with PSG, helping the French club secure a second consecutive Champions League title.

PSG also won Ligue 1 and the UEFA Super Cup during the 2025–26 season, with Hakimi continuing to make important contributions in both attack and defence.

According to L’Équipe, the Moroccan defender recorded four goals and 17 assists in 49 appearances during the period considered for this year’s award.

Hakimi’s World Cup Contribution

Hakimi’s performances for Morocco also formed part of his Ballon d’Or candidacy.

The defender captained the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-0 defeat against France.

He also celebrated his 100th international appearance during the tournament, having represented Morocco since 2016.

Moroccan Defender Maintains Historic Ranking

Hakimi’s sixth-place finish in 2025 remains the highest ranking achieved by a Moroccan footballer in the history of the men’s Ballon d’Or.

His 13th-place finish this year puts him behind Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí, who ranked 12th, and ahead of PSG teammate Vitinha, who finished 14th.

Hakimi also finished above Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, who placed 17th.

More Moroccan Players in Individual Award Contention

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is being held at London’s Palladium Theatre for the first time, with the men’s and women’s winners due to be announced later on Monday.

Morocco also has two other footballers nominated for individual awards. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is in contention for the goalkeeper prize, while Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been shortlisted for the young talent award.