Harry Kane has voiced strong admiration for Achraf Hakimi, naming the Moroccan among his personal favourites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking shortly after Bayern Munich’s 4-0 friendly victory over his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, the England captain was asked who he believed could win the prestigious prize this year.
Kane immediately pointed towards Paris Saint-Germain as the club most likely to produce the winner – and his choice went beyond the expected names.
Probably a PSG player, Kane told the English press. When the interviewer suggested Ousmane Dembélé, the Bayern striker agreed before adding: Dembélé yes… Hakimi also had a very good year, we’ll see.
The spontaneous inclusion of Hakimi’s name was a notable show of respect from one of the game’s most prolific forwards.
The 26-year-old right-back has enjoyed a stellar campaign, delivering consistently high-level performances across Ligue 1, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Hakimi’s influence has extended well beyond his defensive duties, with his pace, creativity, and decisive contributions in key matches marking him out as one of the most complete full-backs in world football.
Kane’s praise underlines the growing recognition of the Atlas Lion’s place among the sport’s elite.
Hakimi is one of three African players named among the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
He joins Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, who clinched the Premier League title and the Golden Boot, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, the joint-top scorer in last season’s Champions League with Borussia Dortmund.
🗣️ Harry Kane 🏴 à propos du Ballon D’Or.
“Je pense que ce sera un joueur du PSG qui remportera le ballon d’or.”
🎙️Dembele ?
🗣️ Kane : “ou Achraf Hakimi 🇲🇦 qui a fait une très belle saison.”#HakimiBallondOr 🌕pic.twitter.com/AplvOKbaSW
— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) August 8, 2025
For Africa, the stakes are historic. It has been three decades since George Weah became the first – and so far only – African to win the Ballon d’Or, in 1995.
The trio’s inclusion offers hope that the continent could see a representative challenge for the top honour once again.
PSG dominate this year’s shortlist with nine players nominated, equalling Real Madrid’s record from 2018.
While much of the attention will inevitably focus on star forwards, Hakimi’s exceptional season ensures his candidacy cannot be overlooked.
For now, Kane’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to the debate.
Whether Hakimi can turn this recognition into a historic Ballon d’Or triumph remains to be seen – but the Moroccan has already earned the respect of his peers at the very highest level.
