London-UK
The Golden Ball is set to be awarded. The footballing world holds its breath as the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the “Golden Ball” award, prepares to anoint its new king. The ceremony, to be held on Monday, 22 September in Paris, will see a new champion crowned. The title of the world’s best player is up for grabs, and this year, two names stand out as leading contenders: Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. The debate over who will take home the title has dominated sports headlines, with fans and pundits weighing in on the incredible seasons of these two African superstars.
The Case for Salah: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah comes into the ceremony on the back of a truly phenomenal season. The Egyptian king was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title win for the 2024-25 season. He clinched the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals, the fourth time in his career, and also secured the Playmaker of the Season award with 18 assists, becoming the first player in history to win both the Golden Boot, Playmaker, and EA SPORTS Player of the Season awards in a single campaign. Salah’s individual brilliance was a constant source of match-winning moments, showcasing his clinical finishing, pace, and newfound role as a key creator for his team. His statistics and decisive performances have made a compelling case for the coveted individual honour.
The Case for Hakimi: Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi’s incredible season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has seen him emerge as a strong contender. The Moroccan right-back has redefined his position, contributing both defensively and offensively. He was a cornerstone of PSG’s defense, helping them to another Ligue 1 title and a strong run in the UEFA Champions League. Beyond his club success, Hakimi’s influence extends to the international stage, where he captained the Morocco national team. He was a vital part of the historic 2022 World Cup run, and his consistent, high-level performances have cemented his place as one of the best defenders in the world. His nomination is a recognition of his complete game and his ability to influence matches from a defensive position, a rarity for the award.
Key Headline Points:
* Golden Ball Grand Finale: The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris, with football fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner.
* African Supremacy: The race for the 2025 award is widely seen as a contest between two of Africa’s most prominent footballing figures: Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
* Salah’s Record-Breaking Season: Mohamed Salah’s case is built on his record-equalling fourth Premier League Golden Boot and his success as both a scorer and a provider.
* Hakimi’s Defensive Dominance: Achraf Hakimi’s nomination highlights his exceptional all-around game, with his attacking and defensive contributions making a strong case for a defender to win the award.
* A Symbol of Change: The potential victory of either player would be a historic moment for African football, demonstrating the continent’s growing influence on the global stage.
A Historic Moment for African Football:
Regardless of who wins, the duel between Salah and Hakimi for the Golden Ball is a moment of immense pride for African football. The fact that two of the most-talked-about contenders hail from the continent is a testament to the rising talent and influence of African players in the global game. For both men, a victory would be the ultimate culmination of a year of hard work, dedication, and incredible performance. The eyes of the footballing world will be fixed on Paris tomorrow, ready to witness who will be crowned the best player in the world.
