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Sektioui praises Hakimi, says he fully deserves Ballon d’Or
Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui has stated that Achraf Hakimi is a deserving candidate for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, citing the player’s exceptional talent and personal values.
Sektioui made the remarks following Morocco’s 3-1 victory over Zambia in the African Nations Championship, emphasizing Hakimi's influence both on and off the field. “I was alongside him during the Olympics; he is an outstanding player. He has enormous qualities, but he also has enormous values as a person. That’s what makes his quality, and it’s exactly what’s reflected on the pitch,” Sektioui said.
The coach highlighted Hakimi’s consistent high-level performances over the past four to five years, calling his achievements a point of national pride for Moroccan football. “For me, he fully deserves the Ballon d’Or,” he added.
Morocco's improved attack secures victory
Commenting on the match, Sektioui credited his team’s improved efficiency in attack for their win against Zambia. He noted that a detailed video analysis session helped the players understand their opponents’ weaknesses, enabling them to dominate the game. Despite missing several scoring opportunities, the team’s maturity and intelligence were evident, he remarked.
Sektioui also applauded the contributions of players from Moroccan clubs Raja, AS FAR, and RS Berkane, praising their fighting spirit and adaptability after being called up to the national team.
Hakimi’s remarkable achievements
Achraf Hakimi’s triumph with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup this week has further cemented his status as one of Africa’s greatest footballers. The victory marked the 26-year-old’s 17th career trophy, making him the third most decorated African player in history, trailing only Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré, who each hold 18 titles.
With many years left in his career, Hakimi is poised to surpass both legends and become Africa’s most decorated footballer. His impressive performances for both club and country have kept him in strong contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in September.