Ex-Gunner enters Ballon d'Or debate with surprise verdict on Paris Saint-Germain contenders - 'He separated himself from the others'

Ousmane Dembele is the apparent favourite for the men's Ballon d'Or 2025, but an ex-Arsenal forward has declared that Achraf Hakimi's performances at the Club World Cup should see him move ahead of his rivals for the trophy. Hakimi was impressive all season long, and "separated himself" from the rest as he helped take his side to the final of the new Club World Cup format in the USA.

Let the debate continue.

With just under two months until the men's Ballon d'Or 2025 awards ceremony, views are coming thick and fast on who should take the crown.

And now it's the turn of former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh, who has claimed that Achraf Hakimi should win the Ballon d’Or despite him playing in a position "the media doesn't value." 

Football

Why Ibrahimovic would have awarded Ballon d'Or to Yamal over Dembele

12/10/2025 at 17:10

Hakimi's PSG team-mate Ousmane Dembele is the favourite to claim the award, after netting 35 goals and registering 16 assists as his side won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and their maiden UEFA Champions League. 

Indeed, the only real disappointment for PSG this term was a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final earlier this month.

While Dembele appears the most likely to be crowned the world’s best player in December, Chamakh suggested Hakimi would be a more worthy winner. 

Chamakh argued that Hakimi’s performances at the Club World Cup have seen him move ahead of his Ballon d’Or rivals. 

Speaking to TFT Morocco, Chamakh said: "Hakimi has had an incredible season, and to be honest, if there was anyone that was unsure before the Club World Cup, I think there he separated himself from the two or three other likely nominees. 

‘Casual!’ – Hakimi gives PSG the lead against Inter

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I’m speaking objectively, not merely from the perspective of Marouane, the Moroccan. Speaking objectively, I feel from the bottom of my heart that Achraf Hakimi deserves this Ballon d’Or. 

"He plays in a position that means people may doubt [he’s a worthy Ballon d’Or winner], because it’s not a position that the media values. 

"But he needs to know, whatever the result, in the eyes of Moroccans, and in my eyes, he is our Ballon d’Or winner. 

"He should not be disappointed, irrespective of the decision. 

• ‘The perfect centre-forward’ - Why Ekitike can be Liverpool’s Isak and the heir to Henry
• Man Utd to choose between Kolo Muani and Jackson as outcasts may outlast Amorim - Paper Round
• Who is Max Dowman? Arsenal’s record-breaking next Hale End star impresses in Milan friendly

"I think he could be a double Ballon d’Or winner, which means winning the Ballon d’Or and being named African Footballer of the Year. 

"That would be something exceptional. But he must know in the eyes of all Moroccans he will be our Ballon d’Or winner."

Stream the Premier League, Men's and Women's FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Champions League

Why Scholes praise is giving Pedri 'added motivation' after opinion-splitting Ballon d'Or ranking

30/09/2025 at 16:24

Ballon d’Or

Bonmati rejects Messi comparison despite third Ballon d'Or triumph

30/09/2025 at 11:59