A conversation between Achraf Hakimi and Eliesse Ben Seghir during Wednesday’s Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco has intensified the controversy surrounding the 2024 African Ballon d’Or award.
The award, which was given to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, has sparked a growing debate, with Hakimi, the PSG star and Moroccan international, expressing his frustration after what he perceived as misleading signals from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the prize.
Hakimi, 26, has had a standout year both at club and international levels. His performances were instrumental in Morocco’s historic third-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and his form for PSG, which included securing both the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles, was equally impressive.
The defender has also made an impact this season, contributing 3 goals and 6 assists in 19 matches across all competitions.
Despite this, it was Lookman, who enjoyed a strong campaign with Atalanta Bergamo and a successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), who claimed the prestigious individual honour, leaving Hakimi visibly disappointed.
Reports suggest that Hakimi had been led to believe that he was the frontrunner for the award, with CAF reportedly encouraging his expectations.
This theory gained traction following a conversation between Hakimi and Ben Seghir that was captured by DAZN cameras. In the tunnel of the Stade Louis II, Hakimi appeared to express his surprise and frustration, saying, “He made you believe you had won…”.
Ben Seghir, in response, replied, “Yeah, he made you believe that you had won,” a statement that seemed to further suggest that CAF had given Hakimi false assurances.
While the conversation did not directly name CAF or its president, Patrice Motsepe, the implications were clear enough to stir the Moroccan press into action.
Media outlets, such as Al Mountakhab, quickly joined the chorus of disappointment, with one headline stating, “For the second time, Africa steals the Ballon d’Or from a Moroccan Lion,” referencing last year’s similar controversy when Yassine Bounou lost out to Victor Osimhen in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting.
The exchange between Hakimi and Ben Seghir, alongside the heightened media scrutiny, has sparked claims of mismanagement within CAF, casting a shadow over the integrity of the awards process.
As the story develops, many are now questioning whether the awarding of the African Ballon d’Or to Lookman was handled fairly. Hakimi, known for his candidness, seems poised to send a strong message to CAF, and it remains to be seen whether the governing body will respond to the growing allegations.
Achraf Hakimi raconte à Eliesse sa folle soirée du Ballon d’Or africain :
“Ils m’ont fait croire que je l’avais gagné.” 🇲🇦😳 pic.twitter.com/shxPO4HcWX
— Packm 🔎•🎥 (@SouhailPackm) December 18, 2024
