Moroccan journalist and 2026 Ballon d’Or juror Mostafa Badri has revealed that he was allegedly approached by individuals who attempted to influence his vote against Achraf Hakimi in favour of another footballer.

Badri, who placed Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi first in his voting selection, made the revelation during an interview with Africafoot.

According to the journalist, the alleged approaches happened in the final hours before the official voting process was completed. He claimed that certain individuals tried to convince him to withdraw his support for Hakimi and choose another candidate, whose identity he declined to disclose.

Badri insisted that he rejected the requests and maintained his original selection.

He said the experience highlighted the possibility of outside interference in voting processes for major individual football awards.

The juror also acknowledged that his Moroccan nationality and personal pride influenced his decision, but maintained that his choice was supported by footballing considerations.

Badri's final selection placed Hakimi first, Kylian Mbappe second and Lamine Yamal third.

He said he was proud to rank Hakimi at the top because he genuinely believed the Moroccan international deserved recognition as the best player of the year.

The alleged attempts to influence his vote have not been independently verified.

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