The sixth place of Achraf Hakimi in the Golden Ball classification may seem disappointing in view of its historic season with Paris Saint-Germain. But behind this raw result hides a more nuanced reality, and a form of significant recognition. Indeed, despite the triumph of his teammate Ousmane Dembélé, the Moroccan side indeed collected votes for first place. Primary information which, if it does not change the end result, highlights the impact that its exceptional season has had around the world.
If the information was confirmed by the editor -in -chief of France FootballVincent Garcia, the identity of these countries remains unknown for the time. The complete detail of the votes of the 100 journalists making up the jury will not be released until Saturday, when the magazine was published. We can however reasonably assume that its country, Morocco, as well as several other nations of the Arab world, have placed their champion at the top of their ranking, thus recognizing its extraordinary season and its status as a regional icon.
A meager consolation in a difficult week
This news will undoubtedly bring a little balm to the heart to the Parisian defender, who lives a complicated week to say the least. Beaten with PSG during the classic against OM (0-1) Monday evening, he also had a stormy exchange with Marseille supporters at the end of the match, and also caused by the opposing coach, Roberto de Zerbi. If this recognition in the ballot of the Ballon d'Or is a meager consolation for a player who aimed above-he had himself declared that he “deserved” the trophy-, she proves that his performances did not leave insensitive.
Hakimi 6th in the Ballon d'Or, but n ° 1 for several countries: the revelation that changes everything
The simple fact of being considered for first place by several jurors is already a victory in itself for a defender. Achraf Hakimi has redefined expectations in his post by marking in the quarter, in the semi-finals and in the Champions League final. He proved that a defensive player could have an impact as decisive as an attacker. If the final vote favored the more offensive profile of Dembélé, Hakimi has marked the spirits and opened a breach for future ambitious defenders.
Next Hakimi goal: the African Ballon d'Or
After the world ballot, another prestigious objective now presents itself to him: the title of African player of the year. A reward that no Moroccan player has won since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. In view of his season and his status as best player on the continent, he is the big favorite. A coronation continental would reward just an exceptional year, and confirm its status as legend from Moroccan football.
