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Rabat – Former Moroccan international player Youssef Chippo has joined a growing list of renowned football figures who agree that Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi deserves not only to be a Ballon d’Or contender but also to win it.
Chippo told Moroccan news outlet Le360 that he thinks Hakimi fully deserves to be among the Ballon d’Or contenders.
The former midfielder, who also made a name for himself in the world of sports commentary, said: “And if he were to win it, it wouldn’t be a gift, it would be a logical reward.”
Chippo sees Hakimi’s performance this season as remarkable, noting that Hakimi is not only a defender but he also “contributed offensively like very few in that role.”
“He was consistent, decisive, and always stepped up,” he added, noting that the Atlas Lion maintained a “Very high level of performance from the first match to last,” unlike other football stars like Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Debele.
For him, Dembele only stood out in the second half of the season, unlike Hakimi, who was “top-class from the get-go.”
Hakimi played at least 55 club matches, scoring 11 goals, and made 16 assists during this season, with a historic quadruple with the football club PSG.
Several other renowned figures have defended Hakimi’s bid for the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to Le360, French coach Hervé Renard said he thinks Hakimi is the Ballon d’Or of this season as he has been exceptional, consistent, and decisive during all his performances.
Additionally, former Moroccan goalkeeper Badou Zaki joined the chorus of support for Hakimi, asserting he should win the prestigious award.
“The Ballon d’Or must go to the player who outshines the rest,” Zaki said. “We talk about team trophies, personal contributions, and the values a player brings to the game. Hakimi belongs in that conversation.”
