PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has reportedly admitted that he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or after his performances last season.
Check Out: 10 Most Valuable Ballon D’Or Nominees
The Moroccan is one of nine PSG stars to be nominated for football's biggest individual prize, and despite defenders notoriously being overlooked for the award, Hakimi has emerged as one of the favourites.
The ex-Real Madrid star scored 11 goals and added 16 assists, according to Transfermarkt, as the Parisians stormed to four trophies, including a maiden UEFA Champions League title.
In an interview with Canal+ via Afrik Foot, Hakimi reportedly admitted that he stood a great chance of claiming the 2025 Ballon d'Or, ahead of some of his teammates who were also tipped as favourites.
"When people put me in the Ballon d'Or debate, it's a dream I never dared to imagine," Hakimi said.
"If I have the chance to win it, I think I deserve it too. After the historic season I've had — there aren't many players who have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final — especially as a defender," he added.
The 27-year-old continued: "People often think I'm a forward or midfielder, but no, I play in a back four and my job is to defend. The stats I've put up this year they're not those of a typical defender. I believe that when a defender achieves that, he deserves it even more than an attacker."
While the ex-Borussia Dortmund will be one of the favourite picks come the ceremony in September, he will face competition from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha and teammates Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha.
The Frenchman's entourage reportedly responded to Hakimi's claims about winning the award and revealed that they did not want to create controversy, according to French Football Weekly.
"Ousmane is focused on his start to the season," they said.
"We do not want to enter any controversy. The most important thing for us remains the collective, and Ousmane appreciated the support of its partners," they added.
Check Out: Ex-Spain Star Backs African Star Over Dembele For Ballon d’Or
"For the rest, everyone is free from their speech. We are not intended to interpret the positions of each other," his entourage concluded.
