Ramos: Hakimi is a world-class player and deserves the Ballon d'Or

The Spanish football legend and former Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, praised the Moroccan international full-back Achraf Hakimi, confirming that he deserves to be among the best players in the world and to win the Ballon d'Or.

This came during an Instagram live session, where Ramos said: “He is my friend and my brother... He deserves the Ballon d'Or. Everyone must support him, he is a world-class player and an example of professionalism.”

The two players know each other well, as Hakimi grew up in Real Madrid's academy and played alongside Ramos before continuing his career in Germany and Italy, then Paris Saint-Germain, where he played with Ramos for a short period.

Since then, Hakimi has proven his worth as one of the best players in his position, delivering a series of crucial performances at club and national team level for Morocco.

Hakimi is considered one of the most prominent right-backs in the world currently, after contributing to Paris Saint-Germain's historic treble, placing him among the contenders for major individual awards this year.

Hakimi is a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or this year, alongside his teammate Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.