Former France international, Raymond Domenech, has tipped Paris Saint-Germain right-back, Achraf Hakimi to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or over Ousmane Dembele.
He said that the Paris Saint-Germain right-back deserves the award more than his teammates, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha.
He noted that the right-back was more consistent for the club throughout the season.
Organisers, France Football, announced September 22 for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
They have also released a 30-man shortlist of players for the award with Hakimi, Vitinha and Dembele all included in it.
The list also has some other top contenders such as Barcelona duo- Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
However, Domenech believes Hakimi should be given the award.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport at the weekend, “Let’s spice things up a bit: Hakimi. Dembélé certainly deserves it, but he only woke up in January, with the match against City.
“Hakimi, on the other hand, had a solid season. And as a defender, he scored important goals in the Champions League quarter-final, semi-final, and final. That’s what Dembélé didn’t do.”
Both Hakimi and Dembele helped the French Ligue 1 side claim the domestic and UEFA Champions League titles, as well as the UEFA Super Cup, and both domestic cups.