Vitinha and Hakimi Outshine Dembele in Ballon d’Or Debate

Vitinha and Hakimi have emerged as Paris Saint-Germain’s unsung heroes, arguably more deserving of the Ballon d’Or than the widely favored Ousmane Dembele. The French forward undoubtedly delivered a prolific season at Parc des Princes, registering impressive goal totals and leading PSG to an historic treble. Yet, when it comes to true influence on the pitch, was Dembele really the driving force behind PSG’s success? A closer look at Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi suggests otherwise.

Vitinha and Hakimi: The Heartbeat of PSG’s Treble Triumph

The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, has long celebrated attacking excellence. However, recent shifts in voting patterns – exemplified by Rodri’s surprise win last year – indicate a growing appreciation for midfield maestros and defensive stalwarts. In this context, Vitinha and Hakimi’s contributions for PSG become even more significant.

Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder, consistently dictated the tempo for PSG, linking defense to attack with intelligence and composure. His ability to retain possession under pressure and break lines with incisive passing provided the foundation for Dembele and others to shine. Time and again, Vitinha’s vision and work rate helped PSG dominate Europe’s elite, quietly pulling the strings in midfield.

Achraf Hakimi, on the other hand, transformed PSG’s right flank into a zone of constant danger for opponents. His explosive runs, tireless energy, and impeccable timing added dynamism both offensively and defensively. Hakimi’s overlapping play not only created goal-scoring chances but also alleviated defensive pressure, allowing PSG to play with balance and confidence.

Questioning the Ballon d’Or Criteria: Is Dembele the Right Choice?

While Dembele’s scoring prowess is undeniable, the Ballon d’Or should recognize the player who has the greatest impact on a team’s overall performance. Vitinha’s midfield mastery and Hakimi’s relentless drive arguably provided the backbone for PSG’s consistency throughout the season. Their efforts were less flashy, but foundational in securing the club’s domestic and European triumphs.

The events of last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony also highlight the award’s evolving criteria. Rodri’s shock ahead of more glamorous attacking candidates hinted at a shift towards valuing all-round contribution over headline-grabbing statistics. If this trend continues, both Vitinha and Hakimi deserve serious consideration for football’s highest individual accolade.

Teamwork Over Headlines: The True Spirit of PSG’s Success

It’s easy to focus on goal scorers, but football remains a team sport, where success is built on balance and collective effort. PSG’s treble was achieved not just through Dembele’s goals, but through the resilience, creativity, and selflessness of players like Vitinha and Hakimi. Their performances may not make the front pages, but within the squad and among knowledgeable fans, they are rightly celebrated.

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Opinion: Recognizing the True MVPs

In my view, the Ballon d’Or should evolve to better reflect the complexities of modern football. While Dembele’s goal tally is impressive, Vitinha and Hakimi exemplify the unsung brilliance that underpins team achievement. Rewarding their efforts would not only be just, but would signal a more nuanced appreciation of what it truly means to be the world’s best footballer.