Gabriel Cissé: Hakimi Deserved to Be Among the Top Three in the Ballon d’Or Race
Former French striker Gabriel Cissé stirred controversy with a strong statement regarding the ranking of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, affirming that Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, star of Paris Saint-Germain, deserved to be among the top three in the final list instead of settling for sixth place.
Cissé stated in a commentary on L’Equipe’s French channel: “Hakimi deserves a lot better; he should have been among the top three.”
The ceremony held at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris saw Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé awarded the title. However, Cissé’s remarks added a new dimension to the discussion, especially since a large segment of Moroccan and Arab fans had previously viewed Hakimi as most deserving of the Ballon d’Or based on his performances last season.
The Moroccan full-back had an exceptional season, playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s multiple trophy wins, including the UEFA Champions League, which reinforced the belief that his ranking in the award was not reflective of his significant efforts.
Amid criticisms and public support, Achraf Hakimi’s name remains prominent in the global best-player race, marking him as one of the standout players who have raised Africa’s flag high in major football arenas.
