Vitinha or Hakimi: PSG’s Real Ballon d’Or Standouts

Vitinha’s impact at Paris Saint-Germain was undeniable last season, shaping the very core of the team’s midfield and distributing the play with surgical precision. As the discussion around the next Ballon d’Or intensifies, many are focused on Ousmane Dembele’s impressive goal tally during PSG’s memorable treble-winning campaign. But the question remains: Was Dembele truly PSG’s standout performer, or do Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi deserve greater recognition for their pivotal roles?

Vitinha’s Midfield Masterclass Led PSG’s Success

Vitinha’s consistency and vision were crucial to PSG throughout the season. While strikers and wingers often grab the headlines, it was the Portuguese midfielder who dictated the tempo of games, broke up opposition attacks, and started PSG’s most dangerous moves. His relentless work ethic and intelligent positioning made him the engine room of the team, ensuring both defensive stability and creative flow.

Achraf Hakimi Adds Spark and Security

Alongside Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi delivered one of the finest seasons of his career. The Moroccan full-back was a constant threat down the flanks, combining pace, technical skill, and defensive discipline. His overlapping runs, timely tackles, and invaluable assists often tilted matches in PSG’s favor. Hakimi’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him indispensable to the team’s treble-winning effort.

Ballon d’Or Voters Favoring New Profiles?

Recent Ballon d’Or ceremonies have hinted at a shift in voting patterns. Last year, Rodri’s win over his more attacking teammates and rivals showed that voters are willing to look beyond goals and assists. PSG fans, therefore, have a legitimate case for spotlighting their midfield and defensive stars over their high-scoring forwards.

Dembele’s Numbers Shine, But Was He PSG’s Best?

Ousmane Dembele’s goal-scoring prowess was vital in key fixtures and helped PSG clinch three major trophies. Yet, when evaluating the totality of the team’s performance, it is clear that both Vitinha and Hakimi were instrumental in providing balance, resilience, and tactical versatility—qualities that often go underappreciated in awards dominated by attacking statistics.

Recognizing True Influence: Why Vitinha or Hakimi Deserve the Ballon d’Or

Accolades like the Ballon d’Or should reward overall influence and consistency, not just flashy numbers. Vitinha and Hakimi set the standard for elite performance week in, week out, often providing the backbone for Dembele and the team’s other forwards to shine. Their leadership, adaptability, and selfless play deserve recognition on the world stage.

Beyond the Numbers: A New Ballon d’Or Era?

If the award truly honors the most valuable footballer, then it’s time to look past just goals. Vitinha’s midfield mastery and Hakimi’s all-action presence were crucial to PSG’s success and should make them leading Ballon d’Or contenders. Recognizing such players could inspire a new era, where unsung heroes are celebrated as much as prolific strikers.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for PSG and the Ballon d’Or

As anticipation for the next Ballon d’Or builds, PSG supporters and football fans globally should consider the full picture. The French giants owe their historic treble not just to clinical finishing, but to the tireless work and football intelligence of Vitinha and Hakimi. For those seeking a broader perspective on PSG’s season and the Ballon d’Or race, be sure to visit for more news and in-depth coverage.

Opinion: Time to Reward the Architects of Success

While Dembele’s stats are impressive, awarding the Ballon d’Or to either Vitinha or Hakimi would send a powerful message about the value of team play, tactical intelligence, and all-round football craftsmanship. It’s time the football world recognizes that the architects behind the success deserve the spotlight just as much as the finishers.