Ballon d’Or 2026: Moroccan journalist faced pressure to change his votes

Moroccan journalist Mustapha Badri, who voted for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, has revealed that he faced pressure to change his vote.

Less than a week after Harry Kane was crowned, the 2026 Ballon d’Or continues to make headlines. In addition to the usual and understandable debates over whether the Englishman deserved to be elected the world’s best player for 2026, other minor controversies have emerged in recent days. The case involving what appear to be highly suspicious bets on the Ballon d’Or rankings placed on the Polymarket platform has caused controversy. France Football has even already filed a complaint.

In recent hours, Mustapha Badri, director general of Al Mountakhab and the Moroccan voter for this 2026 Ballon d’Or, has made some major revelations.

Mustapha Badri allegedly changed his votes under pressure

The Moroccan journalist revealed that he had faced pressure. “I’m not going to hide it: my Moroccan identity naturally played a role in my choice. But that absolutely does not mean that my vote lacked sporting arguments. Achraf has never compromised his commitment to Morocco or his decision to defend his country’s colors. His statistics, performances and influence on the pitch allow me to fully stand by my decision. I am proud to have placed him first, because I sincerely believe that he deserved to be elected the best player of the year,” he explained in an interview with Africafoot.

He added: “I’m going to reveal a secret to Africafoot and give you a genuine exclusive. In the final hours before the official vote, certain people contacted me in an attempt to influence me and convince me to vote against Achraf Hakimi in favor of another player, whose name I would prefer not to reveal. I did not give in to these requests, but this experience shows that attempts to influence this type of vote do exist.”

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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