Early Friday morning, FIFA announced the preliminary lists for the 2024 « The Best » awards, showcasing a remarkable Moroccan presence with three standout stars from the national team making the cut.
The lists feature Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive ace; Yassine Bounou, the Al-Hilal goalkeeper; and Soufiane Rahimi, striker for Al-Ain, who was crowned Asia’s Best Player last season and topped the scoring charts at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Soufiane Rahimi is among the forwards vying for a spot in the 2024 World XI, while Yassine Bounou is in contention for the Best Goalkeeper award, thanks to his consistent brilliance on both domestic and international stages.
Achraf Hakimi, PSG’s right-back, has earned a place among the nominees for the defensive lineup, with strong odds of making the final team, as he is widely regarded as one of the world’s best in his position.
Additionally, Hakimi and Rahimi are also competing for the African Ballon d’Or, having been named in the final shortlist for this season. However, the exclusion of Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz has sparked significant debate among fans.
These Moroccan nominations highlight the growing stature of national football and the increasing global recognition of Moroccan players’ contributions to the sport.
