Achraf Hakimi finished 13th in the Ballon d’Or 2026, missing out on the top 10 but ranking as the second-highest defender in the vote. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back was beaten only by Pau Cubarsi, who placed 12th.

Hakimi’s position represents a seven-place drop from last year, when he finished sixth. Given his trophy-laden 2025-2026 season and his importance to Paris Saint-Germain’s success, the result may feel underwhelming. However, it also confirms the recognition he holds in a particularly competitive edition of the award.

The Morocco international added several major honours to his collection during the campaign. He won the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, the Africa Cup of Nations pending a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport the UEFA Super Cup and the Trophee des Champions. He also reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Those achievements appeared to give Hakimi a strong case for a place in the top 10. Despite missing 22 matches through injury, he remained an important figure for Paris Saint-Germain during their biggest successes and reinforced his status as one of the leading players in his position.

His attacking influence continues to set him apart from many other defenders in Europe. Hakimi’s pace, movement and ability to make an impact in the final third were reflected in his return of four goals and 17 assists in 49 appearances during 2025-2026.

Even so, he finished behind several of the attacking stars and World Cup winners who occupied the top 10. The uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations title may also have cost him a few places.

Hakimi’s standing among the world’s leading defenders is underlined by the players he finished above. His Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Willian Pacho, in 20th, Nuno Mendes, in 23rd, and Marquinhos, in 25th, were all below him. The same was true of Marc Cucurella, who placed 18th, Gabriel in 21st, Dayot Upamecano in 26th and William Saliba in 29th.

The Moroccan was the fourth-highest-ranked Paris Saint-Germain player in this year’s voting, behind Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz, all of whom will feature in the top 10. He finished ahead of Vitinha, in 14th, and Joao Neves, in 19th.

Hakimi was also the highest-ranked African player in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, finishing well above Sadio Mane, who was 29th. He remains in a strong position to retain the African Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on 7 December.