Journalist faces pressure

Mustapha Badri, general director of the Al Mountakhab group and Moroccan journalist designated to vote in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, revealed he was contacted by individuals attempting to prevent him from voting for Achraf Hakimi.

Hakimi remains top choice

Despite the pressure, Badri ultimately placed Hakimi at the top of his list for the prestigious award, which recognizes the best male footballer in the world.

Ballon d’Or voting process

The Ballon d’Or is awarded by a panel of journalists from around the world, with each journalist submitting a list of players they believe deserve the honor.

Hakimi's influence in football

Achraf Hakimi, a key player for both club and country, has been a prominent figure in European football, particularly with his performances for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team.

Pressure on voters

This incident highlights the potential for external influence in the voting process, even though the Ballon d’Or is intended to be a merit-based award.