Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Fez– Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi has thrown his support behind Achraf Hakimi in the race for the Ballon d’Or, saying he hopes Morocco can make a deep run at the upcoming World Cup to further boost the defender’s chances of winning football’s most prestigious individual award.
Speaking about Hakimi’s growing status in world football, Trabelsi told beIN Sports that he wishes the Moroccan national team could go as far as possible in the tournament because a strong World Cup campaign could significantly strengthen the right-back’s position among the leading candidates for the award.
His comments come at a time when Hakimi is enjoying one of the most successful periods of his career.
The remarks gained even more significance following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph on Saturday night.
PSG defeated Arsenal after a dramatic final that ended in a penalty shootout, allowing the French club to retain the European crown and add another major title to an already remarkable season.
For Hakimi, the victory represents another major achievement in a career that continues to reach new heights.
The Moroccan international has become one of the most influential players in Luis Enrique’s squad, combining defensive solidity with attacking impact in crucial matches.
His performances throughout the campaign have reinforced his reputation as one of the best full-backs in modern football.
The Ballon d’Or race has traditionally favored attacking players, but Hakimi’s consistency at both club and international levels has sparked growing calls for greater recognition of his achievements.
Trabelsi is among the latest football figures to publicly endorse the Moroccan star, arguing that his performances fully justify his place among the world’s elite players.
A successful World Cup could prove decisive. Morocco already made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, with Hakimi playing a central role in that unforgettable run.
Another deep campaign on football’s biggest stage would place both Morocco and its captain back in the global spotlight.
With a Champions League title, domestic success with PSG, and the possibility of another memorable World Cup journey ahead, Hakimi’s candidacy continues to gather momentum.
PSG’s European triumph has already strengthened Hakimi’s credentials, but a successful World Cup campaign with Morocco could elevate his Ballon d’Or bid to a new level.
For many observers, the Moroccan star is no longer an outsider in the race, he is becoming closer everyday.
