Victim of a dangerous tackle from Luis Diaz on November 4 in the Champions League, during Bayern Munich’s victory against Paris Saint-Germain (1-2), Achraf Hakimi suffered a severe sprain to his left ankle. An injury that could deprive him of the CAN.
If he were to withdraw from the tournament, which will take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 at home in Morocco, it would necessarily be a huge disappointment for the 27-year-old right-back. Just as if he were not to be elected African Ballon d’Or 2025.
Author of an exceptional season with PSG, marked in particular by the coronation in the Champions League, Achraf Hakimi is emerging as the big favorite to succeed Ademola Lookman. Unsurprisingly, the native of Madrid is one of the three finalists revealed this Sunday by the Confederation of African Football, alongside Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.
Salah still in front of Hakimi?
Yes, but Achraf Hakimi is still far from having lifted the trophy, which will be presented this Wednesday, November 19 in Rabat (Morocco). Indeed, it is not excluded to see Mohamed Salah steal the reward. Indeed, despite a less notable season than the Moroccan, the Egyptian finished ahead of him in the France Football Ballon d’Or rankings (4e against 6e).
As a reminder, the African Ballon d’Or is based on a jury made up of CAF members, journalists, coaches, captains of member associations and representatives of clubs participating in the group stages of interclub competitions. For comparison, the France Football Ballon d’Or is awarded following a vote by 100 juries from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
