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Hakimi’s Ballon d’Or claim ignites debate within PSG
Achraf Hakimi’s assertion that he deserves the prestigious Ballon d’Or award has reportedly stirred conversations within Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) dressing room. Speaking to Canal+, the Moroccan defender expressed his surprise and pride at being named among the 30 finalists, stating, “When people put me in the Ballon d’Or debate, it’s a dream I had never thought of. If I have the possibility to win it, I think I deserve it too.”
Dressing room dynamics under scrutiny
French newspaper L’Équipe suggested that Hakimi’s remarks were met with mixed reactions within the team. The publication alleged that PSG attempted to block the broadcast of his comments before they aired—a claim the club has firmly denied. Officials insist that the squad remains united and focused on their upcoming UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham in Udine, Italy.
The report also highlighted a potential divergence between Hakimi’s statements and PSG’s internal messaging. The club has publicly rallied behind Ousmane Dembélé as their primary contender for the Ballon d’Or, bolstered by a promotional campaign ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
A historic nomination for PSG
This year marks a significant milestone for PSG as nine of their players have been included among the Ballon d’Or finalists—equaling Real Madrid’s record for the most nominees in a single year. The achievement underscores the club's depth of talent, but also brings challenges in managing egos and expectations within the squad.
In 2022, Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema claimed the award, with teammates like Thibaut Courtois and Luka Modrić also making the shortlist. PSG’s nominees this year include prominent names such as Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, alongside Hakimi.
A recurring theme of internal tensions
This is not the first time tensions within the PSG camp have made headlines. Over the summer, L’Équipe reported that several players, including Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Vitinha, felt overshadowed by their higher-profile teammates. Despite these reports, PSG maintains that their squad remains harmonious as they pursue domestic and international success.