In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris, French winger Ousmane Dembélé claimed the prestigious award for the best football player in the world. His victory, however, has sparked debate among fans and pundits, especially regarding the perceived snub of Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back who has delivered exceptional performances throughout the season.
Why Dembélé Won the Ballon d’Or 🏆
Dembélé’s triumph comes after an extraordinary season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His key contributions include:
- Critical Goals and Assists: Dembélé scored decisive goals and provided key assists in PSG’s campaign, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.
- Team Success: He played an instrumental role in helping PSG secure the Champions League title for the first time in club history, cementing his status as a top contender for the award.
- Consistency and Impact: From domestic league matches to international competitions, Dembélé’s performances were consistent and often match-winning.
This combination of individual brilliance and team success made him the favorite among Ballon d’Or voters.
Case Study: The Champions League Final
In the Champions League final, Dembélé scored a crucial goal and assisted another, directly influencing PSG’s 2-1 victory. For fans and analysts, this match exemplified why he deserved the Ballon d’Or — demonstrating technical skill, composure under pressure, and decisive impact.
The Controversy: Was Achraf Hakimi Snubbed? ⚡
Despite a stellar season, Achraf Hakimi was not included in the top 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2025.
- Hakimi played a pivotal role as PSG’s right-back, consistently balancing defensive duties with attacking contributions.
- His performances drew praise from both fans and experts, highlighting his speed, defensive intelligence, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
- PSG’s sporting director, Luis Campos, publicly stated that Hakimi’s exclusion was unfair and suggested that the decision might reflect broader political or reputational biases within FIFA.
Some speculate that Hakimi’s previous disputes with FIFA officials, including a notable disagreement with president Gianni Infantino following Morocco’s 2022 World Cup third-place match, may have influenced the outcome.
The Bigger Picture
The Dembélé-Hakimi scenario underscores recurring debates in football:
- Criteria for Awards: Should individual brilliance outweigh team success, or vice versa?
- Politics and Perceptions: Award selections can sometimes be influenced by reputation, popularity, and historical context rather than just performance.
- Global Talent Recognition: Players from emerging football nations or less “high-profile” leagues sometimes face unfair disadvantages.
Lessons for Football Fans and Analysts
- Evaluate Context: Individual awards are not always absolute indicators of performance; look at statistics, impact, and influence on team outcomes.
- Consider Multiple Metrics: Goals, assists, defensive actions, and versatility matter when judging a player’s season.
- Celebrate All Talent: While Dembélé deserves recognition, acknowledging Hakimi’s contribution reflects a balanced perspective and fairness in discussion.
Conclusion
Ousmane Dembélé’s 2025 Ballon d’Or win is a testament to his skill, consistency, and influence on PSG’s historic season. Yet, the exclusion of Achraf Hakimi has reignited conversations about award fairness and transparency in football governance. Fans and analysts alike continue to debate: Should Hakimi have been in contention, and what does this say about the politics of football awards?
🔑 Interactive Question for Readers:
Do you think Achraf Hakimi was unfairly left out of the Ballon d’Or 2025 list? Share your opinion in the comments and join the debate!
