Between the Lyon summit and the Ballon d'Or ceremony.. Paris Saint-Germain settles Achraf Hakimi's status for tonight's match

26.10.26 15:30 Ligue 1 France

Paris Saint-Germain

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Lyon

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Achraf Hakimi has been included in Paris Saint Germain's 21 man squad to face Olympique Lyonnais on Monday 26 October despite the match taking place on the same evening as the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony in London where the Moroccan international is among the nominees.

The 27 year old defender was named in Luis Enrique's squad for the Ligue 1 Matchday 8 encounter at the Parc des Princes, scheduled to kick off at 20:30 local time.

Hakimi's inclusion means he is expected to remain in Paris rather than attend the prestigious individual awards ceremony at the London Palladium.

According to PSG's official squad announcement, the Moroccan is one of several Ballon d'Or nominees selected for the crucial domestic fixture.

The situation follows an unexpected scheduling change that has forced many PSG players to prioritise their club commitments over attending football's biggest individual awards event.

Read Also: Watch Live: Ballon d'Or 2026 Live Updates as World's Greatest Stars Take Center Stage

Why will Achraf Hakimi miss the Ballon d'Or ceremony?

The scheduling conflict emerged after the French Professional Football League postponed PSG's match against Lyon from Sunday, 25 October to Monday 26 October.

The decision followed a request from the Paris Police Prefecture which raised security concerns surrounding planned demonstrations and other major events in the French capital.

The fixture was originally scheduled for Sunday evening but was moved to Monday at 20:30.

Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony is scheduled to begin at 20:00 GMT, corresponding to 21:00 in France.

The two events will therefore overlap, making attendance in London impractical for players involved in the match.

Hakimi has been selected for the encounter, although his inclusion in the squad does not automatically guarantee a place in the starting lineup.

Hakimi's nomination reflects another successful PSG campaign

Despite the expected absence from the ceremony, Hakimi's nomination represents another significant achievement for the Moroccan international.

The right back played an important role in PSG's successful 2025 /26 campaign helping the French champions secure major domestic and European honours.

His performances have also strengthened his position among the continent's leading players competing in Europe.

Earlier this month, Hakimi reached another milestone during PSG's Champions League victory over Manchester City.

As Foot Africa reported following the 4-2 win, the Moroccan moved ahead of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o in a historical ranking of African Champions League appearances.

Hakimi's Ballon d'Or nomination also places him alongside Senegal international Sadio Mané as one of Africa's representatives in the men's award category.

His individual recognition comes at a time when PSG are attempting to maintain their domestic dominance following consecutive Champions League triumphs.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Paris Saint-Germain

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Ligue 1 France