Ballon d'Or: Stéphane Gilli's heart vote goes to Achraf Hakimi

Just days before the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Paris FC manager Stéphane Gilli shares his view on the favourites and makes a surprising revelation about his preferences.

Come Monday, the football world will have all eyes on the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Among the favourites, two names are particularly catching attention: Ousmane Dembélé, France's representative, and Achraf Hakimi, PSG's Moroccan full-back. When asked about his predictions, Stéphane Gilli, the Paris FC gaffer, didn't hold back.

Measured backing for Dembélé

"For French football, I think Ousmane would be something really good," Gilli admits straight away. Logical support for the French international, but that's where it stops. Because it's immediately after that the PFC boss drops a real bombshell.

"On the emotional side, I'd want Hakimi"

Without beating around the bush, Gilli reveals his personal preference: "On the emotional side, I'd love Achraf Hakimi" to lift the trophy. A statement that's no accident. The Parisian manager actually worked alongside the Moroccan full-back "with the national team for two seasons in Morocco" - an experience that clearly left its mark on the coach.

"What he's done is absolutely top drawer"

Gilli can't stop singing the praises of the former Real Madrid player: "What he did last season was absolutely top, top drawer." A superlative that says everything about the respect the manager has for the Moroccan. But there's more.

"He still surprises me"

Gilli's analysis goes deeper than just the stats. "What he does in matches and what he does in training, he still surprises me," he reveals. A statement that's even more striking coming from a coach who's been able to watch Hakimi up close, behind the scenes during Morocco national team training sessions.

Incredible work rate praised

The Paris FC manager also highlights the player's exceptional physical capabilities: "When I look at his performances at the Olympics, he played I don't know how many matches back-to-back." A strong argument in modern football where stamina and consistency have become crucial.

"Somewhere, maybe he deserves it"

This sentence perfectly sums up Gilli's thinking. Beyond personal affection, it's genuine recognition of Hakimi's exceptional level that the manager is giving. "If it's one of those two, I'll be happy," he concludes, diplomatically.

Heart versus head

Stéphane Gilli's stance perfectly illustrates the debates buzzing around French football ahead of this ceremony. On one hand, natural support for Dembélé, the French representative. On the other, pure recognition of talent, embodied by Hakimi.

Now it remains to be seen whether either of these two favourites will manage to claim the ultimate prize on Monday night. One thing's for certain: the Paris FC manager will have mixed feelings, but his preferences are now crystal clear.

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