Regragui: "No Reason Hakimi Shouldn't Win African Player of the Year, But Surprises Happen"

Walid Regragui, head coach of the Moroccan national team, affirmed that no player deserves to win the African Player of the Year award more than Achraf Hakimi, considering the statistics he achieved with Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking at the press conference following Morocco's 4-0 friendly victory over Uganda, Regragui stated: "Logically, there is no reason why Achraf should not win the award. However, we have learned from the past that surprises can happen. Nevertheless, for us, no matter what occurs, he is the Golden Ball in the hearts of Moroccans, and we all hope he will be crowned tomorrow, as the last Moroccan to win the Golden Ball was Mustapha Hadji."

He continued: "It has been a very long time since a Moroccan player won this award, and I believe there is no one better than a player like Achraf to win it, even though I also felt a player like Yassine Bounou deserved it after the World Cup and winning the Europa League. He is also a Golden Ball in our hearts. But at some point, this recognition must be proven on the field and with statistics."

Regragui added: "Today, as I have always said, the field speaks. And today, the field has spoken. We hope to celebrate Achraf tomorrow because he genuinely deserves it. He is a leader, and I thank him again, because even though he was not with us in the camp, he never stopped supporting us, contacting us, checking in, and speaking with the players as well."

He concluded: "For me, he is an exceptional player on and off the field. So, God willing, tomorrow, all of Morocco will celebrate the new African Golden Ball. And as I said, there is no pressure; on the contrary. Entering the Africa Cup of Nations carrying the Golden Ball, there is no more beautiful symbol than this to strive for the tournament title."