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Moroccan Jury’s Unexpected Vote Costs Hakimi Crucial Ballon d’Or Points
Despite his remarkable season, Achraf Hakimi finds unexpected disappointment as Morocco’s jury opts for another star.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, but the story behind this result carries a twist of unexpected disappointment. Despite his stellar performance throughout the season, revelations from Morocco have added a surprising layer of frustration. Moroccan journalists have uncovered a decision that is already sparking debate within the nation.
The Moroccan jury’s surprising choice
In a surprising turn of events, the Moroccan representative on the Ballon d’Or jury did not rank Hakimi first. Instead, they chose to place Lamine Yamal at the top of their list. This decision denied Hakimi potentially crucial points in the race for the prestigious award. The local media’s revelation of this choice has already stirred controversy in Morocco, where many expected a natural show of support for their national hero.
While Yamal’s exceptional season with Barcelona might justify the decision from a sports perspective, the international norm is often to favor one’s compatriots. This choice has taken many by surprise, especially as other countries have recognized Hakimi’s historic impact with PSG in the Champions League by placing him first.
A costly betrayal for Hakimi
This symbolic “betrayal” holds significant weight, especially considering the slim margins that often separate Ballon d’Or candidates. Each first-place vote carries valuable points, and Hakimi could have reasonably expected to receive that support from his home country. Vincent Garcia from France Football has confirmed that several jurors did indeed rank the Moroccan at the top.
The timing of this revelation, ahead of the official vote publication next Saturday, highlights the stir it has caused in Morocco. Hakimi, who had openly stated he “deserved” the trophy, finds himself without the backing of his own country. This scenario is even more frustrating as he remains the frontrunner for the African Player of the Year award.
Despite the setback, Hakimi maintains a positive atmosphere with his teammate Dembélé. “Now that you are Ballon d’Or, I want you to always come in a suit!” Hakimi joked in the locker room, demonstrating his grace under pressure.
