Former Morocco head coach Hervé Renard has backed Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, stating the Moroccan international has outperformed some of the biggest names in football this year.
Renard, who managed Hakimi between 2016 and 2019, believes the 25-year-old full-back has delivered more impactful performances than the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and even PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé.
In an interview with Morocco Worldwide News, the French coach praised Hakimi’s consistency and influence, calling him “one of the best players in the world today” and “the best player on the continent.”
Hakimi enjoyed a standout season with PSG, helping the club secure multiple domestic titles and playing a key role in their UEFA Champions League triumph. However, he was unable to prevent a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Renard highlighted Hakimi’s sustained excellence over the years, from his early days at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan to his current form at PSG.
“Today, Achraf Hakimi is the best player on the continent,” Renard reiterated, in quotes published by TNT Sports.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, organised by France Football, is scheduled to take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
