Morocco legend Mustapha Hadji slams Ballon d’Or ranking for Achraf Hakimi, calls it ‘a scandal’

Former Morocco international Mustapha Hadji has launched a scathing attack on the decision to place Achraf Hakimi sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, describing it as “a scandal” and proof of lingering bias against African players.

In an interview with afrik-foot, the 1998 African Footballer of the Year said the outcome once again highlighted the systemic challenges African footballers face on the global stage.

“The only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or is George Weah,” Hadji said. “I always ask myself questions about discrimination against African players and African football. Frankly, this goes beyond my understanding.”

While conceding that France’s Ousmane Dembélé deserved this year’s prize, Hadji argued Hakimi’s sixth-place finish was unjustifiable.
“Seeing Hakimi in sixth place is unacceptable,” he fumed. “I’m not speaking as a Moroccan, but as a former player and a lover of football. I watch the matches, and I think those who voted are not watching the same football we are.”

Hadji went on to list Hakimi’s exploits last season, stressing his decisive role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic campaign.
“Achraf scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the Champions League. He practically invented a new role – neither full-back nor winger, but something in between – and he was consistent all season. What more could he have done?”

He insisted the snub reflected a broader pattern. “Once again, the African player pays the price. At worst, he should have been second.”

Hadji further suggested that Hakimi’s nationality played a part in the voting.
“If Hakimi played for Spain or any European country, he would have been the winner, or at least runner-up. That is obvious for everyone to see,” he said.

Hakimi, 26, was one of PSG’s standout performers last season, helping the French champions secure Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles. He was named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and collected three PSG Player of the Month awards.

Despite such achievements, the Moroccan full-back finished behind Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior in the final Ballon d’Or standings – a placement that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.