Romain Saïss has thrown his full support behind Achraf Hakimi’s bid for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, hailing the Paris Saint-Germain defender as a standout contender for football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
The former Morocco captain, now playing for Qatari side Al-Sadd, spoke glowingly of Hakimi in an interview published on his club’s official website.
While assembling his dream Moroccan starting eleven, Saïss reserved special praise for the PSG star, describing him as a player of rare quality whose recent performances merit global recognition.
He’s an exceptional player who has a great chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. I hope he wins it, Saïss stated, underlining his belief that Hakimi’s all-round game makes him a deserving candidate. Defensively and offensively, he is complete. Given the incredible season he’s just had, there’s no doubt in my mind that he fully deserves this award.
Hakimi’s 2024-2025 campaign has garnered widespread acclaim, with the right-back playing a pivotal role in PSG’s domestic dominance and European exploits.
His blend of defensive solidity, blistering pace, and attacking flair has seen him rise to the very summit of his position, earning accolades from pundits and former players alike.
Several international media outlets have echoed Saïss’ sentiments, positioning Hakimi among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or.
Many regard him as the undisputed best right-back in world football, a status reinforced by his consistent excellence on both club and international stages.
The 26-year-old, known for his tireless work rate and technical precision, has been instrumental not just for his club but also for Morocco’s national team.
His performances in major competitions have elevated his global standing, with many football experts now considering him a genuine candidate to break the long-standing midfield and forward monopoly on the Ballon d’Or.
For Saïss, Hakimi’s potential triumph would be a moment of pride for Moroccan football.
Achraf is a symbol of our country’s footballing progress. His success would inspire a whole generation of Moroccan players, he remarked.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is still months away, but the momentum behind Hakimi’s candidacy continues to grow.
If he does succeed, he would become the first African defender to lift the coveted trophy, a historic achievement that would resonate far beyond the borders of Morocco.
