Hakimi Excluded from Marc-Vivien Foé Award Due to Ongoing Legal Issues

Paris, April 2026 – The announcement of the nominees for the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Prize 2026 has sparked significant discussion, particularly due to the notable absence of Achraf Hakimi. As a previous winner and a standout player in his role, Hakimi’s exclusion has puzzled many, particularly on social media platforms in Morocco, where debates have turned into open criticism.

Off-field issues overshadow Hakimi’s achievements

While some might speculate that Hakimi’s performance drop due to an ankle injury against Bayern in November could be a reason, the reality is more complex. The decision to leave the PSG defender out is rooted in his ongoing legal troubles. Hakimi is currently facing charges of rape, which led the organizers, including RFI and France 24, to exclude him, as they believe the award should not be linked to such serious allegations. Christophe Jousset, head of sports at RFI, stated, “The preselection criteria also consider the player’s off-field behavior. Given the gravity of the case against Hakimi, we decided not to include him.”

Earlier this year, a judge ordered Hakimi to stand trial in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court, following allegations from February 2023. The accused player has consistently denied the charges, asserting that the interactions were consensual. He has appealed the decision and remains confident that “the truth will come out,” as he mentioned on social media platform X.

Moroccan players missing from the nominee list

As a result of Hakimi’s exclusion, the focus of the jury has shifted to other candidates like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lamine Camara, and Moussa Niakhaté, who remain solely in the news for their sporting contributions. This year’s nominations mark a departure from previous years, as no Moroccan players are featured, causing disappointment among fans who are used to seeing Moroccan representation in such accolades.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, PSG continues to support Hakimi, upholding his presumption of innocence while allowing him to maintain his high-level performances on the field. Yet, his omission from the list underscores the broader impact legal issues can have on a player’s professional image. For Hakimi, the focus now extends beyond personal accolades to clearing his name in court while continuing to perform on the pitch.