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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 61457, member: 636"] African journalists failed to back Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi during 2025 Ballon d'Or balloting, French publication L'Équipe reported. The Moroccan international collected just three votes from the continental press corps that many expected would rally behind him. Ousmane Dembélé claimed the award after securing most African and Arab media support. Hakimi earned backing from Morocco through journalist Mustafa Badri, plus single votes from Gabon and Belgium representatives. The minimal support stunned Moroccan supporters who anticipated widespread continental endorsement for their star player. Football officials across Morocco expressed disappointment with the voting results given Hakimi's exceptional club and international performances that established him among global elite defenders. [/QUOTE]