Former Morocco coach Hervé Renard has thrown his weight behind Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi as a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or, praising the defender’s stellar season.
In an interview with Moroccan sports outlet Le 360 Sports, Renard, who managed Morocco from 2016 to 2019, described the 26-year-old right-back as “exceptional, consistent, and decisive,” firmly naming him his pick for the prestigious individual award.
“He is one of the best players in the world today. For me, he is the Ballon d’Or of this season because he has been exceptional, consistent, and decisive in all his performances,” Renard said, applauding Hakimi’s impact on the pitch.
Renard also highlighted Hakimi’s impressive rise through Europe’s elite clubs, noting his successful spells at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now PSG as a testament to his talent.
“His evolution has been exceptional. From Dortmund to Inter Milan, then to Paris Saint-Germain, he has only joined great clubs, which fully reflects his talent,” he remarked.
Confident that Hakimi’s best days lie ahead, the former coach added, “Today, Achraf Hakimi is the best player on the continent. And given his young age, he is far from done adding to his list of achievements.”
Renard also recalled the moment he first called up Hakimi to the Moroccan national team at just 18 years old, saying, “When you train at Real Madrid, it’s already a sign that you possess exceptional qualities.”
Elsewhere, PSG teammate Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona rising star Lamine Yamal have also been mentioned among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or.
