Morocco’s former international Mustapha Hadji has blasted the decision to place Achraf Hakimi sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, calling it “a scandal” and evidence of ongoing bias against African players.
Speaking to afrik-foot, Hadji said: “The only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or is George Weah. I always ask myself questions about discrimination against African players and African football, and frankly, this thing goes beyond my understanding!”
Hadji was furious at Hakimi’s placement in the list: “Seeing Hakimi in sixth place in this ranking, a scandal. Ousmane Dembélé deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, that is clear, but Hakimi in sixth place? This is unacceptable.”
He insisted his opinion was not shaped by patriotism: “I am not speaking as a Moroccan, and not because Hakimi is my compatriot I defend him, but I speak as a former player, and a lover of football who follows all the matches. Frankly, I think the people who vote do not watch the same football we are watching.”
Hadji listed Hakimi’s achievements last season: “Achraf scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the Champions League. He even created a new position – no longer a full-back nor a winger, but an attacking role of his own. He was consistent all season. What more could he do? I don’t know! This is something incomprehensible!”
The former Moroccan star again pointed to long-running injustice: “Once again, the African player pays the price. He should have been ranked, at worst, second.”
He dismissed online chatter as irrelevant: “I will not rely on what is said on social media to say he deserves the Ballon d’Or, or at least second place. I speak as a former player, and football fans agree on this point.”
Hadji concluded by underlining the role of nationality: “If Hakimi played for Spain or represented a European team, he would now be the winner of the Ballon d’Or, or at least in second place. That is how it is, clear for everyone, no room for doubt.”
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi finished sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. After a season of top-level performances for PSG – winning Ligue 1, lifting the Champions League, and continuing his strong form for Morocco – many expected him to rank higher.
This year, Hakimi was named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season, the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and earned PSG’s Player of the Month award three times. He also broke all records as a right back.
Critics on social media argue that sixth place seriously undervalues his contributions. With such consistent displays and decisive influence, Hakimi clearly merited a spot in the final three, making this result a disappointing snub.
