PSG responds to Hakimi’s Ballon d’Or comments amid Internal tensions
Paris Saint-Germain has downplayed reports of locker room tensions following Achraf Hakimi’s recent remarks about deserving the Ballon d’Or. In an interview with Canal+, the Moroccan defender argued that his historic season scoring in the Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final made him a strong candidate, even as a defender. However, his comments reportedly displeased PSG’s hierarchy, who allegedly tried to censor the interview segment.
According to L’Équipe and Le Parisien, the club prefers to promote Ousmane Dembélé for the award, sparking whispers of discord. PSG officials have reminded players to prioritize team praise over individual accolades in public statements.
Despite this, club sources insist there is no division, emphasizing unity under president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi’s leadership.
Al-Khelaïfi, who addressed the squad last week, stressed collective success: “The team comes first. Stay united you all deserve the Ballon d’Or.” His message, seemingly preempting Hakimi’s remarks, aimed to quell potential ego clashes.
While PSG denies internal strife, the debate highlights the delicate balance of managing star players’ ambitions. With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set for September 22, the saga may linger, but the club maintains harmony remains intact.
