Ballon d'Or 2025: Marouane Chamakh names Achraf Hakimi as the top favorite

Who will take home the Ballon d'Or in September? While some are voicing support for Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi can also count on Marouane Chamakh's backing.

With the Club World Cup now joining the Champions League in the mix, the next Ballon d'Or winner increasingly looks set to come from PSG. Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi have both made their case, pulling ahead of Lamine Yamal in the race.

But for now, no one can say for sure who will clinch the prize. Former Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh believes that the trophy should go to Achraf Hakimi.

"For me, it's essential that all the players, the whole country, stand behind him. No matter what happens, he must get it—he deserves it. And if he doesn’t, he should know that he already holds it in the hearts of Moroccans. Because when you miss out, disappointment can really get to you. Honestly, judging by what he’s accomplished at club level, he truly deserves it. It was neck and neck between two or three players before the Club World Cup, but now I think he’s the clear choice. He’s proven himself, unlike the other contenders. If all Moroccans play their part—his teammates and former teammates—if he gets it, it will be an exceptional moment for Morocco and, above all, for Africa." he told 2M.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.