Moroccan journalist Mustapha Badri has come forward with allegations of pressure to influence his vote in the 2026 Ballon d'Or. In an interview with Africafoot, Badri revealed that he received approaches from individuals attempting to sway his vote, specifically requesting that he vote against Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi. Badri, director general and co-founder of Al Mountakhab, represented Morocco in the Ballon d'Or voting process.
Badri disclosed that he ranked Hakimi first in his personal standings, ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé, among others. However, Hakimi ultimately finished 13th in the official ranking with 65 points, while English striker Harry Kane claimed the award. Badri highlighted Hakimi's significant contributions to PSG's successful season, including domestic achievements and a Champions League triumph.
According to Badri, Hakimi's skills extend beyond defensive qualities, showcasing his attacking prowess, speed, technical ability, and capacity to influence decisive matches. Badri cited Hakimi's recent performance against Le Havre, where the defender scored a hat-trick and delivered two assists in PSG's 5-1 victory. This performance, Badri argued, demonstrated Hakimi's ability to impact matches in ways not typically associated with his position.
Beyond his club performances, Badri emphasized Hakimi's leadership role with the Moroccan national team and his contribution to the country's growing international reputation. He also acknowledged Hakimi's commitment despite dealing with injuries and praised his involvement in charitable initiatives. Badri maintained that his Moroccan identity played a role in his decision but insisted that his choice was also based on sporting merit.
One of the most notable revelations from the interview concerned alleged attempts to influence Badri's vote. He claimed that unidentified individuals contacted him in the final hours before the vote, attempting to convince him to vote against Hakimi in favor of another player. Badri rejected the approaches but considered the incident an example of the influence campaigns that can surround major individual football awards.
Despite disagreeing with the final outcome, Badri respected Kane's Ballon d'Or victory and the legitimacy of the voting process. However, he questioned whether Kane had made a decisive enough impact in the season's biggest matches. Badri also discussed Kylian Mbappé's communication strategy and its potential influence on individual awards, suggesting that a player's public image and media visibility can impact voters.
Badri's remarks offer a glimpse into the debates surrounding the 2026 Ballon d'Or, particularly the relationship between sporting achievements, media influence, and the voting process. His experience highlights the challenges and controversies that can arise in the voting process, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness. The incident underscores the complexities of individual football awards and the various factors that can influence the outcome.
Key points
- Mustapha Badri faced pressure to vote against Achraf Hakimi in the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
- Badri questioned Harry Kane's victory, suggesting that other players had a greater influence on decisive encounters.
- The incident highlights the influence of media campaigns and lobbying in individual football awards.
