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Statements by Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi claiming he deserves the Ballon d’Or have stirred debate within Paris Saint-Germain and among its supporters, with some fearing it could undermine teammate Ousmane Dembélé’s chances of winning the prestigious award.
In an interview with Canal Plus over the weekend, Hakimi said he believes he merits the trophy more than a forward. «People put me in the Ballon d’Or discussion, and there comes a moment when you start thinking about it a lot. My first dream was to become a professional footballer, but the Ballon d’Or was a dream I never considered before. However, I believe I deserve it too. I have had a historic season», he said.
The 26-year-old full-back, who recorded 11 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, supported his claim with his performances. «Not many players have scored in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. And for a defender, it’s harder. People think I’m a forward or a midfielder, but I play in a back four and have to think about defending. The statistics I’ve achieved this year aren’t those of an ordinary defender, and when a defender reaches such numbers, I believe he deserves the award more than a forward», he explained.
Some PSG fans worry the controversy could split votes among the club’s nine Ballon d’Or nominees. According to L’Équipe, Hakimi’s remarks put the club in an awkward position as PSG continues to back Dembélé. The report claims management even asked for the Ballon d’Or segment to be cut from the interview, but Hakimi refused.
While some of Dembélé’s close associates were surprised by Hakimi’s stance, the issue has not caused friction thanks to the strong relationship between the players. «The most important thing for us is teamwork, and Ousmane appreciated the support of his teammates. As for the rest of the statements, each player has the freedom to express themselves, and we are not in a position to interpret them», said people close to the French winger.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on September 22, with many watching to see whether PSG can navigate the matter without unsettling the locker room.
