French Media Outlet Links Mohammed VI Academy to Morocco’s Soccer Success

2024-01-18

Paris – In a journey spanning almost fifteen years since its inception, the Mohammed VI Football Academy has elevated Morocco to new heights on the global football stage, according to a report by Ouest-France on Wednesday.

Established in 2009 and situated in Salé, near the capital Rabat, the academy has become a breeding ground for Moroccan talent, boasting state-of-the-art facilities that rival those of the world’s top football clubs, as highlighted by the French media.

The academy, with its modern and avant-garde approach, offers a diverse range of playing surfaces, including grass, synthetic, indoor, and even beach soccer fields within its expansive 18-hectare complex. Ouest-France notes that the academy’s facilities are on par with, if not superior to, those of European football powerhouses.

Beyond its focus on football development, the Mohammed VI Academy takes a comprehensive approach by providing education to its young talents. Two dormitories and ten classrooms supplement the football training, reflecting a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Nasser Larguet, the inaugural director of the academy, emphasized the significance of families entrusting their children to an institution that, despite its nascent stages, displayed promising signs not only in football but also in overall personal development.

The fruits of the academy’s labor are now ripening, with one of the most significant achievements being Morocco’s presence in the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup. Ouest-France points out that among the 23 Moroccan heroes, four honed their skills at the Mohammed VI Academy, including three who secured starting positions—Azzedine Ounahi, Reda Tagnaouti, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Nayef Aguerd.

Not only has the academy contributed to the success of local players, but it has also played a pivotal role in attracting members of the Moroccan diaspora to represent their homeland. The likes of Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofiane Boufal, and Amine Harit have all chosen to play for the Lions of the Atlas, thanks to the academy’s influence, as reported by Nasser Larguet.

Larguet notes a significant turning point where the academy showcased the growing potential of Moroccan football. The allure of representing Morocco has led the best Moroccan players born in Europe to eagerly join the national teams, creating a domino effect of talent funneling back to the country.

In a recent trend, promising players of Moroccan origin have opted for their country of origin over their birthplaces. Examples include Oussama El Azzouzi, born in the Netherlands, and Ilias Akhomach, born in Spain.

While the spotlight is currently on Morocco’s impressive journey to the World Cup semi-final in Qatar, Ouest-France highlights that this accomplishment is just one among many recent successes for the country. The U17 team’s historic qualification for the World Cup and the U23 team’s already secured spot in the Olympic Games underscore Morocco’s rising prominence on the international stage.

Former Technical Director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation emphasizes, “We have results on the world stage. It pushes players to choose Morocco. Today, Morocco presents a very beautiful showcase,” attributing this success to the foundation laid by the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

MAP

It is “an Honor” to Face Morocco, a Team that “Conquered the World,” CBF President Tells MAP

For Brazil, “it is an honor to kick off the World Cup against a team that has captivated the world with its organization, courage, and distinct style of play.” It was with these words, imbued with “admiration and respect,” that Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), described Saturday’s highly anticipated opening clash between the Seleção and the Atlas Lions.

In an exclusive interview with MAP-Brasilia, the head of Brazilian football’s governing body promised “a spectacular show,” bringing together two dynamic, passionate, and globally renowned schools of football.

Fans, he noted, can expect a highly technical, intense, and deeply competitive duel, played in a spirit of profound mutual respect. “Starting the tournament with such a high-profile fixture underscores the importance of preparation and focus. I am certain this match will live long in the memory,” he stated.

Xaud, who took the helm of the CBF in May 2025 to spearhead a modernization drive, praised Morocco’s prominent position on the global sporting stage, achieved through strategic investments driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

“Morocco’s long-term vision, world-class infrastructure, and emphasis on youth academies have created a highly competitive ecosystem,” he observed, adding that co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal further solidifies this standing.

“For us, this commands admiration and respect. Global football is enriched when new powers emerge through robust projects, and Morocco is undoubtedly one of them,” he added.

Discussing the squads for this heavyweight clash, the CBF chief, a physician by training, took a highly analytical view of the forces at play. The Brazilian executive highlighted the teams’ contrasting trajectories, noting that Morocco has consolidated a successful model stemming naturally from the continuity of the squad that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022.

Turning to the five-time world champions, the CBF chief noted that Brazil has embarked on a rebuilding phase under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti. He explained that this new cycle aims to blend the Seleção’s historic individual brilliance with a relentless pursuit of collective balance.

While acknowledging Morocco’s historic achievement, which reshaped global perceptions of African football, and stating that the Kingdom “deserves full recognition for this,” the CBF president insisted that Brazil’s five stars must never lead to complacency.

“Our responsibility is different: we carry an exceptional legacy, but also the obligation to constantly evolve,” Xaud emphasized, pointing out that modern football has become increasingly competitive, physical, and tactical.

The top official concluded by noting that contemporary football demands more than just prestigious names; it requires structure, discipline, and tactical flexibility. These are the very foundations the sports medicine specialist is now striving to build at the CBF through strategic planning, rigorous enforcement of financial fair play, domestic calendar optimization, and a scientific approach to developing future talent.

Morocco’s Selection to Host 77th FIFA Congress Reflects Major Trust in the Kingdom – FRMF

Morocco’s choice as host of 77th FIFA Elective Congress confirms yet again the major trust put in the Kingdom, as well as its reputation in organizing large international gatherings, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) states.

Rabat will host the FIFA Elective General Assembly on March 18, 2027, marking the second time the Kingdom has organized this event, following the Ordinary General Assembly held in Marrakech in 2005, the FRMF adds in a press release.

Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), announced on Thursday the selection of the capital Rabat to host the elective congress of its General Assembly during its 77th session, with the participation of approximately 2,000 people representing 211 national associations from around the world, the same source notes.

Members of the FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, unanimously approved this decision, the press release points out.

Morocco’s FRMF Endorses Infantino’s Candidacy for FIFA Presidency

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), chaired by Fouzi Lekjaa, announces its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

In a letter of nomination and support published on its official website, the FRMF “officially endorses” Infantino’s candidacy at the elective Congress of world football’s governing body, to be held in Rabat on March 18, 2027.

In this regard, the FRMF wishes to clarify “that it exclusively supports Gianni Infantino for the position of FIFA President and, consequently, will not sign any other declaration of support for any other candidate for this position.”

This letter highlights the significant work carried out by Gianni Infantino and his team to promote African and global football, the FRMF emphasizes, expressing its determination to maintain its “fruitful cooperation” with FIFA bodies under the presidency of Gianni Infantino for the development and growth of football.

Morocco to Host 77th FIFA Congress in 2027

Morocco was selected on Thursday to host the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 76th Congress of world soccer’s governing body, held in Vancouver, Canada.

Morocco, Key Player in LaLiga’s International Expansion – Pres. Javier Tebas

The Spanish league’s international reach is firmly anchored in Morocco, LaLiga President Javier Tebas emphasized in an exclusive interview with MAP, highlighting the historical, cultural, and sporting ties between the two countries.

According to Tebas, the Middle East and North Africa region is a strategic market for LaLiga, thanks to the enthusiasm of passionate fans. In this context, Morocco holds a special place, as it is linked through “a unique historical relationship, and I think that is also reflected in football,” he stated.

In this regard, the LaLiga president highlighted deep relations between the two countries in the sporting arena. “There have always been many ties, as well as a spirit of unity and mutual understanding between Spain and Morocco in the field of sports in general and football in particular,” he explained.

For LaLiga, the enthusiasm of Moroccan fans for Spanish football give s a decisive edge over other leagues such as the Premier League. Tebas believes that in terms of viewership in this region, LaLiga could even surpass its main English rival.

This advantage is driven by the two countries’ geographical proximity, intertwined history, and the recent meteoric rise of Moroccan football, which Tebas deems “well-deserved and hard-earned achievements.”

World Football Undergoes Quiet Revolution Under Infantino Era – Morocco’s Federation Head

World football is undergoing a quiet revolution under the era of Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, said Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

“Overall, we are witnessing a quiet revolution in world football, a metamorphosis of FIFA,” Lekjaa stated in a video message broadcast on the Moroccan national team’s social media accounts on the occasion of the ten years Infantino has spent at the helm of the international football governing body.

“Speaking about Gianni Infantino’s record (elected on February 26, 2016) at the head of FIFA, I think it is clear to recall that what he has achieved is enormous. It is a complete transformation of FIFA,” Lekjaa emphasized.

“I would cite the total revision of FIFA’s governance, particularly regarding the clean-up of its finances, which has multiplied FIFA’s revenues and resources and subsequently made it possible to double and triple development efforts across all continents,” noted the FRMF president.

In the same vein, Lekjaa referred to “the revision and reforms related to competitions, starting with the men’s World Cup by increasing the number of teams, and extending to all competitions across all age categories, encompassing both men’s and women’s football.”

“Like all African and global federations, we have all benefited from the resources allocated to development, which has accelerated football development programs, whether in terms of infrastructure or technical supervision,” the FRMF head noted.

Sunday 14 June 2026