Algeria Football– The verdict of the CAF Awards 2024 ceremony continues to spark heated controversy in Morocco. While many observers and supporters thought that Achraf Hakimi would be crowned African Ballon d’Or, it was ultimately the Nigerian Ademola Lookman who won the prestigious trophy. A decision which caused surprise and incomprehension in the Shereef kingdom, where the press and fans did not hesitate to cry scandal.
Last night, Ademola Lookman, author of a remarkable year with Atalanta Bergamo, was crowned best African player. This title notably rewards his key role in his team’s coronation in the Europa League final, where he scored a memorable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. However, in Morocco, many people believe that this consecration unfairly goes to Lookman while Achraf Hakimi seemed to have all the cards in hand to win the trophy.
In 2024, Achraf Hakimi indeed had an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning both the French championship (Ligue 1) and the Coupe de France. With three goals and six assists in 19 matches in all competitions this season, the Moroccan full-back has been an essential element in the success of the Parisian club. Internationally, Hakimi also shone with the Atlas Lions in the African Cup of Nations and won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
The Moroccan press denounces an injustice
In the media columns Hespressthe reactions were not long in coming. The Moroccan press highlights the incomprehension of supporters who hoped to see Hakimi become the fifth Moroccan to lift the African Ballon d’Or. “A large part of Moroccan fans were convinced that Achraf was going to be crowned,” writes Hespressadding that Lookman’s coronation was seen as a big surprise.
For his part, Al Mountakhab did not mince his words and even spoke of “theft” against the PSG player. The newspaper protests against the CAF technical committee, accused of favoritism and “improvisation”. “For the second time, Africa steals the Ballon d’Or from a Moroccan Lion”, headlines the media, in reference to the similar controversy last year when Yassine Bounou was excluded from the trophy despite his exploits with FC Seville.
CAF, Morocco: Hakimi in shock
According to several sources, Achraf Hakimi would have been very affected by this outcome. Invited to Marrakech with his family, the PSG player firmly believed in his chances after receiving positive information ahead of the ceremony. Al Mountakhab also says that the player left the room, stunned, holding his mother’s hand, visibly saddened.
“Hakimi was convinced that he would be crowned. His name had even been chanted before that of Lookman was announced,” reports the Moroccan media. Even Lookman himself, surprised by his coronation, would have declared that he did not expect it. This reaction further fueled the frustrations of Moroccan supporters, who denounce a ceremony marked by a lack of transparency.
A debate that divides
If Ademola Lookman deserves his title for his club exploits, the Moroccans believe that Achraf Hakimi was the victim of a lack of recognition for his consistency, his record and his key role for his national team. This controversy once again highlights the debate around the selection criteria for the CAF Awards, often criticized for their opacity and subjectivity.
Hakimi can nevertheless count on the unwavering support of the Moroccan people and many international observers, who continue to salute his exceptional talent. At 26, the Lion of the Atlas remains one of the best African players of his generation and intends to continue to mark the history of football.
In the meantime, this 2024 edition of the African Ballon d’Or will remain marked by controversy, leaving a bitter taste for Moroccan supporters and Achraf Hakimi, who hoped to add his name to the list of African football winners.
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