Zambia coach Avram Grant. Photo: CAF

Former Chelsea coach Avram Grant, now in charge of Zambia, has highlighted why an African star is the best candidate to win the Ballon d’Or Award.

Zambia coach Avram Grant has made his pick for the Ballon d’Or Award ahead of the gala set to take place on September 22.

A number of players are in contention for the prestigious award with Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele considered a hot favourite with the likes of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and team-mate Vinitha seen as his main threats.

However, former Chelsea coach Grant, who is now in charge of Zambia, feels another PSG star Achraf Hakimi deserves the award after a brilliant season that saw him contribute immensely to their treble of French league, cup and UEFA Champions League glory.

“He is the best right-back in the world and a really great player,” Grant, who is leading his Chipolopolo side at the 2024 African Nations Championships, told Telecomasia.net.

“I think he deserves to win the award because he was very instrumental for PSG in their campaign last season. In all the important games for PSG, he was their best player.

“I watched the semis and the final of the Champions League and he was phenomenal. I believe he is a strong contender. Even for him to be nominated already shows what kind of player he is.”

A consistently high-performing right-back, Hakimi’s defensive strength and attacking contributions, including key goals in the Champions League, make him a top contender.

The Moroccan full-back had an incredible 13 goals and 17 assists and helped secure 26 clean sheets with Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions the trophies he won with the French giants.

He, however, faces still competition from the aforementioned stars who are likely to sway the voting panel due to their tendency to lean towards attacking players.

No African player has won the Ballon d’Or Award since Liberian George Weah lifted the 1995 gong while playing for Italian giants AC Milan.