What's Happening?
Achraf Hakimi, a full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, has expressed confidence in his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or award for the 2024/25 season. Hakimi highlighted his unique achievements as a defender, including scoring in crucial stages such as the quarter-final, semi-final, and final matches. He emphasized the difficulty of achieving such stats as a defender, noting his contribution of 11 goals and 16 assists over 55 matches last season. PSG's successful season included winning the league, French Cup, French Super Cup, and the Champions League, although they lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea.
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Why It's Important?
Hakimi's assertion underscores the evolving role of defenders in modern football, where offensive contributions are increasingly valued. His nomination for the Ballon d'Or reflects a shift in recognizing defensive players for their all-around performance. This could influence future award considerations, encouraging defenders to enhance their offensive skills. PSG's achievements also highlight the club's dominance in European football, potentially impacting player transfers and team strategies across the continent.
