Hakimi fuels PSG's title bid and Ballon d'Or dream as Bayern looms

Hakimi’s mindset and PSG’s title hopes

Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain’s right back, has raised the banner of challenge, praising his team’s strong performances this year and signaling a bold ambition to win a prestigious individual prize.

In an interview with the club channel PSG TV on Monday, Hakimi said that lifting the Champions League has not made their mission easier or harder, but has increased their responsibility to defend the title while proving their worth week after week.

He noted that only a few teams have managed back-to-back Champions League titles, calling it a true test that motivates the squad. If they stay united and work together, he believes they can chase glory once more, driven by last season’s memories.

Season progress, European run, and Bayern looming

Hakimi explained that winning Europe freed them in many ways and that achieving the title with a club that had never done it before is incredibly rewarding. Being first to do so is a remarkable moment, and he is proud to share that history with PSG.

He pointed out that this season is different from last year, with some changes but a largely familiar core, including a few new signings that have kept the squad competitive and hungry.

In the league, PSG have recorded seven wins and one defeat to Marseille, with three draws. They defeated Nantes and Angers 1-0, cruised past Toulouse 6-3, beat Lens 2-0, and downed Auxerre 2-0. Before the international break, they drew away at Lille (1-1) and at home to Strasbourg (3-3), before bouncing back with a win over Brest and a narrow win over Nice as they push for a fifth consecutive league title. In Europe, they have played four matches and won all four, starting with the European Super Cup triumph over Tottenham on penalties after a 2-2 draw, then opening the Champions League group stage with wins: Atalanta 4-0 at home, Barcelona 2-1 at Montjuïc, and Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in Germany.

Hakimi stressed the importance of confidence: they are advancing with better understanding among teammates and the coach, Luis Enrique, and will continue to improve. He highlighted that details can swing Champions League results and that PSG are in good form ahead of the Bayern Munich fixture.

Regarding the Bayern clash, he called it a superb test, a moment to sharpen physically and mentally with their fans by their side, noting that facing a strong, storied opponent is a thrill and an opportunity to showcase their readiness.

On his personal journey this year, Hakimi said he has worked hard both on and off the pitch, shouldering more responsibility and feeling comfortable with teammates and the coach, which translates into better performances. He emphasized the value of understanding each other to keep everything running smoothly, as he continues maturing as both player and person.

Speaking about individual awards, Hakimi admitted he does not dwell on them constantly, but now that he has a shot at winning the Ballon d’Or as Africa’s best, it has become a dream. He stressed that while he has pursued team trophies, the nomination itself motivates him to keep grinding, hoping to be on the 2026 shortlist as well.

PSG’s 2025-2026 snapshot: seven league wins, one loss to Marseille in the classic derby, and three draws. Domestic wins came against Nantes, Angers (1-0), and Toulouse (6-3), followed by Lens (2-0) and Auxerre (2-0). Before the break they drew at Lille (1-1) and Strasbourg (3-3) at home, then edged Brest, drew with Lorient, and narrowly beat Nice in the chase for a fifth straight league title. In Europe, PSG have won all four matches, including lifting the European Super Cup after penalties over Tottenham after a 2-2 scoreline, and they opened the Champions League with three straight wins across group play: Atalanta, Barcelona, and Leverkusen, maintaining momentum heading into the next challenge.

Hakimi summed up the mood: confidence is high, the team understands each other better, and they aim to build on every game as they prepare for Bayern. He also noted the ongoing growth under coach Enrique and the support of teammates that makes the path forward clearer. And if there were a primer for the season, it would be this: small details can tilt the Champions League, so staying sharp is non-negotiable.

To close with a wink to fans, Hakimi joked about the long road to glory, reminding everyone that football is a team sport and sometimes the longest passes lead to the sweetest goals. Punchline 1: If life handed out trophies for listening, we’d hear PSG lifting the calendar year’s soundtrack. Punchline 2: And if the Ballon d’Or were a barbecue, Hakimi would be the chef—grill marks and all, cooking up a golden finish.