Hakimi finishes second among defenders in Ballon d’Or 2026 voting

Achraf Hakimi finished 13th in the Ballon d’Or 2026, ending the voting seven places lower than last year despite playing a key role in Paris Saint-Germain’s most successful campaign.

The Morocco international was sixth in 2025 but narrowly missed out on a place in this year’s top 10. His honours in 2025-2026 included the Champions League, Ligue 1, the Africa Cup of Nations – pending a decision from the TAS – the UEFA Super Cup and the Trophee des Champions. He also reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Hakimi’s contribution was particularly significant at Paris Saint-Germain, where he remained a central figure despite missing 22 matches through injury. The right-back played an important part in the club’s major successes and strengthened his reputation as one of the leading players in his position.

His attacking influence remains one of his defining qualities. Hakimi’s pace, regular forward runs and ability to create danger in the final third make him an unusual profile among European defenders. He recorded four goals and 17 assists in 49 appearances during the 2025-2026 season.

Against that background, 13th place may initially appear disappointing, especially given his sixth-place finish in 2025. However, the result also confirms his standing among the world’s leading defenders.

Hakimi was the second-highest-ranked defender in the voting, behind Pau Cubarsi, who finished 12th. The Spain international, crowned a world champion with La Roja, was the only defender placed above him.

The Moroccan was ahead of several established players in the position, including his Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Willian Pacho, 20th, Nuno Mendes, 23rd, and Marquinhos, 25th. Marc Cucurella, 18th, Gabriel, 21st, Dayot Upamecano, 26th, and William Saliba, 29th, also finished below him.

That ranking underlines Hakimi’s place among the global elite, even in a year when it was difficult for a defender to compete with the attacking stars and world champions occupying the top 10. The uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations title may also have cost him several positions.

Hakimi was the fourth-highest-ranked Paris Saint-Germain player in this edition. Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz all finished ahead of him and will be in the top 10, while Vitinha, 14th, and Joao Neves, 19th, were placed behind him.

He was also the highest-ranked African player in the voting, comfortably ahead of Sadio Mane in 29th place. Hakimi therefore remains in contention to retain the African Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on 7 December.