He separated himself- Ex-Arsenal striker snubs Dembele, Yamal, picks Ballon d'Or winner

Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh believes the award should go to a PSG star, Achraf Hakimi.

With less than two months to go until the ceremony, debates are raging over who should be crowned the world’s best footballer. Dembele, who enjoyed a sensational campaign with 35 goals and 16 assists, played an important role in PSG’s domestic treble and first-ever UEFA Champions League win.

But for Chamakh, it’s Hakimi who “separated himself from the pack” with commanding performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where PSG finished runners-up after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the final.

Speaking to TFT Morocco, Chamakh praised Hakimi’s influence from right-back, urging Ballon d'Or voters to look beyond goal-scoring stats.

He said, “Hakimi has had an incredible season. If there was any doubt before the Club World Cup, I think that tournament made it clear that he separated himself from the other nominees.

“He plays in a position that people often overlook, especially when it comes to awards like this. But from an objective footballing standpoint, Achraf deserves the Ballon d’Or.

“He should not be disappointed, whatever the result, in the eyes of Moroccans, and in my eyes, he is our Ballon d’Or winner.

“He could win both the Ballon d’Or and be named African Footballer of the Year. That would be exceptional.”

Should Hakimi win, he would become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro (2006) to take home the Ballon d'Or.