Achraf Hakimi’s sixth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or was met with muted disappointment from supporters and analysts, but the Moroccan international himself responded with composure.
The Paris Saint-Germain fullback learned of the result in the corridors of Marseille’s Vélodrome, shortly after his club’s 1-0 loss to OM.
Long tipped as a strong contender thanks to his consistency, statistics and decisive role in PSG’s title-winning campaign, Hakimi was widely expected to finish on the podium.
He had even admitted in August that he saw himself in the race. Yet, according to L’Équipe, Hakimi quickly grasped that he was not in the profile of a winner, noting the absence of the usual signs of backing from club and organizers.
Still, the 26-year-old maintained grace, congratulating teammate Ousmane Dembélé on his victory. “Among the six best players in the world, that is pride enough,” said one close source to L’Équipe.
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