Morocco star Achraf Hakimi’s exclusion from Marc-Vivien Foe’s award shortlist explained

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi could not make the final shortlist for the Marc-Vivien Foe award due to selection criteria.

The announcement of the 11 finalists for the prestigious award honouring the best African player in France’s Ligue 1 sparked widespread discussion after the unexpected exclusion of reigning holder Achraf Hakimi.

The shortlist, revealed on Thursday 9 April, featured several standout African performers in France’s top division. However, Hakimi—who lifted the award last season—was notably absent, despite maintaining a strong level of performance throughout the campaign.

According to reports, the Moroccan international’s exclusion is not linked to his on-field displays, but rather to off-field considerations tied to the award’s selection criteria.

The organizers of the award reportedly include a clause requiring nominees to demonstrate exemplary behaviour both on and off the pitch. It is this specific condition that has been cited in connection with Hakimi’s omission from the final list of candidates.

Hakimi has been subject to ongoing legal proceedings in France related to serious allegations, and while the case remains under judicial process, it has influenced his eligibility under the award’s ethical guidelines. No legal conclusion has been reached, and he continues to be presumed innocent while the matter is handled by the courts.

The situation has placed the selection process under the spotlight, with debates emerging around the balance between sporting performance and personal conduct criteria in individual awards. While some observers argue that recognition should be based purely on footballing merit, others insist that off-field standards are an essential part of modern sporting awards.

Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football, remains an influential figure for both club and country. His absence from the shortlist marks a rare break in his otherwise dominant presence in African football accolades.

As the debate continues, attention now turns to the remaining nominees, while the controversy surrounding the selection criteria is likely to remain a talking point in French and African football circles in the weeks ahead.