Achraf Hakimi backs PSG to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, saying he hopes the prestigious individual award stays in Paris. The Morocco international is one of 30 nominees and has been shortlisted for a second consecutive season, but he insists that personal recognition is not his main priority.
Hakimi spoke to CBS after PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City, a result that added another talking point to an already compelling football season. The French club has a strong presence on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, with 10 of the 30 nominees representing PSG. That concentration of talent reflects the team’s recent success and gives the club several potential contenders in the award debate.
Hakimi wants another Ballon d’Or for Paris
Ousmane Dembélé won the Ballon d’Or last year, while Hakimi finished sixth. With both players among the names attracting attention again, PSG supporters will be watching closely to see whether the club can claim the prize for a second year in a row.
“I hope one of Paris Saint-Germain’s players can bring this award to Paris, and that we celebrate it with the fans and the team,” Hakimi said. His response placed the focus on collective achievement rather than on his own chances, underlining the team-first outlook he has brought to the discussion.
Hakimi did not hide his ambition. He described the Ballon d’Or as a special honour and acknowledged that any player would be proud to win it. At the same time, he made clear that being nominated is already something he values—and that he would not let the result define his season.
“Do I hope to win it? It is a special award, and everyone hopes to win it, but even if I don’t win it, I am very happy to be nominated,” he said. “For me, the most important thing is the team’s titles.”
A team-first message in an individual award race
The Ballon d’Or is decided through individual recognition, but performances are often judged in the context of a player’s contribution to the team. Hakimi’s comments capture that tension. He is a nominee in his own right, yet he has publicly backed his PSG teammates and framed trophies as a more important measure of success.
That perspective may resonate with supporters who see football as a collective sport, particularly at a club where several players can influence a match in different ways. PSG’s 10 nominees create a crowded internal field, but they also strengthen the club’s overall presence in the conversation. The shortlist is not simply a contest between individuals; it is also a reflection of the team’s ability to produce high-level performances across a campaign.
Hakimi’s own case rests on more than his reputation as a dynamic full-back. His role requires him to contribute at both ends of the pitch, offering width and forward movement while also carrying defensive responsibilities. In modern football, players in his position are increasingly assessed for their ability to shape attacks as well as protect their side. That blend can help explain why Hakimi has remained among the nominees for a second season.
What Hakimi’s nomination says about PSG’s season
Having 10 players on a 30-person shortlist is a notable marker of PSG’s influence. It suggests that the club’s performances have attracted attention across the squad, rather than relying on a single standout name. For the team, the number of nominations can serve as recognition of the collective quality built into its lineup.
However, a large group of nominees also makes any prediction about the eventual winner more complicated. The Ballon d’Or race can shift as the season develops, with major matches, domestic titles and performances in European competition all shaping the discussion. A memorable result—such as PSG’s 4-2 win over Manchester City—can add momentum to the debate, although one game alone is rarely enough to settle it.
For Hakimi, the clearest measure remains what PSG achieves together. His remarks suggest that he would welcome an individual triumph but would also be content if a teammate claimed the honour. That stance helps keep the focus on the club’s ambitions rather than turning the nomination into a personal campaign.
Ballon d’Or prediction: PSG has several contenders
Any 2026 Ballon d’Or prediction remains open, especially with a large share of the nominees coming from one club. Dembélé’s previous win gives PSG a recent champion, while Hakimi’s continued presence on the shortlist highlights his standing among the game’s leading players. The final outcome will depend on the full body of work across the season, not simply on the number of nominees a team can produce.
For fans, the most intriguing question may be whether PSG can turn its depth of recognition into another winner. Hakimi’s answer is clear: he hopes the award returns to Paris, but the team’s titles matter more than who collects an individual trophy. That balance of ambition and perspective reflects the appeal of football’s biggest honours—players chase personal excellence, while their most meaningful achievements are often shared.
As the season continues, PSG’s performances and the form of its nominated players will keep the Ballon d’Or conversation alive. Hakimi is part of that story, but he has made his priority unmistakable: success for Paris Saint-Germain comes first.
