PSG dressing room is at risk of cracking because of Hakimi’s statement.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) right-back Achraf Hakimi’s recent comments about the 2025 Ballon d’Or have sparked tensions within the team, threatening to divide the squad.

Right-back Achraf Hakimi claims he deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Photo: REUTERS

Amid widespread support from key PSG figures for Ousmane Dembele as a 2025 Ballon d’Or candidate, Hakimi has unexpectedly declared himself the more deserving recipient. In an interview with Canal+, the Moroccan star confidently stated, “I deserve to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or for my historic season.” Despite PSG’s attempts to edit out parts of this statement, Hakimi stood firm in his stance.

Hakimi’s comments have created an undercurrent of tension within the squad. Previously, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, head coach Luis Enrique, and key players like Marquinhos and Vitinha had publicly backed Dembele for the prestigious award. Hakimi’s assertion that his contributions as a defender are “more valuable” than those of forwards has fueled perceptions of rivalry and direct competition between the two stars.

Sources suggest Dembele was taken aback by Hakimi’s remarks, particularly as the latter highlighted his goal-scoring contributions in crucial Champions League matches—achievements typically associated with attacking players. With nine players from PSG in contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, the club boasts a roster brimming with talent. However, Hakimi’s comments have turned the race for the world’s most coveted individual award into a potential “ticking time bomb” within the PSG dressing room.

While Hakimi’s confidence may reflect the evolving role of modern defenders, his remarks risk destabilizing team morale. Psychologically, his statement could be seen as a challenge to his teammates, placing PSG’s internal dynamics in a precarious and risky position.

Hakimi Criticized for ‘Fake Sadness’ in Champions League Final

After scoring the opening goal in the Champions League final for PSG, Achraf Hakimi refrained from celebrating and displayed a somber expression on camera, prompting criticism for what some called “fake sadness.”