Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou made history on August 7, 2025, as both were officially named among the nominees for football’s most prestigious individual awards. Hakimi earned his place in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or following an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 11 goals and delivered 16 assists, setting a new record for goal contributions by a defender. His explosive pace, defensive stability, and leadership helped PSG secure a historic treble, including the Champions League title. Meanwhile, Bounou—widely known as Bono—was shortlisted for the Yachine Trophy, honoring the world’s best goalkeeper. His consistency with Al-Hilal and decisive performances for the Moroccan national team solidified his reputation as one of the elite shot-stoppers in world football. The nominations were announced digitally by France Football at 12:30 PM from Paris. The official awards ceremony will take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The double nomination marks a proud moment for Moroccan football and the broader African continent.
Morocco’s Duo Earns Ballon Recognition
