Morocco star Achraf Hakimi makes Ballon d’Or history

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has made history by becoming the first African defender to finish inside the top 15 of the Ballon d’Or rankings after securing 13th place in the 2026 edition of the prestigious individual award.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back earned recognition following an impressive 2025/26 campaign, during which he played a significant role in the French club’s successful run across multiple competitions.

Despite his achievement, Hakimi dropped seven places from his career-best sixth-place finish in the 2025 rankings. However, his latest position represents another milestone for African football, with the Moroccan becoming the first defender from the continent to break into the top 15.

Hakimi enjoyed an outstanding season with PSG, recording four goals and 17 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. His attacking contributions, combined with his defensive responsibilities, made him an important figure in the club’s pursuit of silverware.

The 27-year-old helped PSG secure the Ligue 1 title, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, further strengthening his credentials among the leading full-backs in world football.

His ability to provide width, create scoring opportunities and contribute directly to goals has become a key feature of his game, allowing him to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.

Hakimi’s performances also reflected his importance to the Moroccan national team, with the defender representing the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Morocco’s progress at the tournament further underlined the country’s growing presence on the international stage, with Hakimi remaining one of the team’s most recognisable figures.

Despite finishing outside the top 10 in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings, his historic 13th-place position highlights the recognition he has earned through his performances for club and country.

The achievement also represents an important moment for African football, demonstrating that defenders from the continent can compete for recognition alongside some of the world’s most celebrated attacking players.

With his influence at PSG and his continued role in Morocco’s ambitions, Hakimi remains one of the continent’s leading football exports and a prominent figure in the global game.