Ballon d’Or 2025: Ex-France Coach, Domenech Tips Player for Award, Cites Crucial Goals

Former France national team coach, Raymond Domenech, has tipped Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi as his preferred winner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, ahead of his club teammates Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha.

Domenech argued that Hakimi showed greater consistency throughout the season and delivered when it mattered most—particularly in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

“Hakimi had a solid season,” Domenech told La Gazzetta dello Sport over the weekend. “As a defender, he scored important goals in the Champions League quarter-final, semi-final, and final. That’s what Dembélé didn’t do.”

He added: “Let’s spice things up a bit: Hakimi. Dembélé certainly deserves it, but he only woke up in January, with the match against City.”

The Ballon d’Or ceremony, organized by France Football, is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The 30-man shortlist includes Hakimi, Dembélé, and Vitinha, as well as Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Both Hakimi and Dembélé played key roles in PSG’s historic season, helping the French giants clinch the Ligue 1 title, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and both domestic cup trophies.