Mohammed VI
Football Academy
A result of an enlightened Royal vision for a genuine school of life, patriotism, and champion development
Mohammed VI Academy, established in 2010 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Sala Al Jadida, is the key to the success and remarkable achievements of national teams at the international and continental levels. The academy has also played a pivotal role in training players who have gained recognition in Europe in recent years.
In addition to serving as a benchmark in player development and nurturing numerous sporting talents, the Academy is a royal project stemming from an enlightened and comprehensive royal vision. It views sports as a crucial element in development, making an indispensable contribution to education and training.
« Sports promote the development of teamwork spirit, openness to others, and encourage healthy emulation and competition. Additionally, sports serve as a means of youth integration by preventing deviant behaviors, offering enriching leisure activities, and actively contributing to the improvement of the educational paths of children and young people. »
Excerpt from the message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations on the theme “Sports as a means to support local economic development and create employment opportunities” – Geneva, 9 Jumada II 1427 H, corresponding to July 5, 2006.
Based on the roles assigned to it and the objectives for which it was established, the Academy, combining sports and education, aims to uplift and develop the national football scene by selecting and training talented players. Some of them now form the backbone of the national football team, which qualified for the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement for Arab and African football.
« And as much as you have delighted the Moroccan people and various sisterly and friendly crowds, especially the Arab and African ones, who followed your remarkable achievement with love, pride, and admiration, you have also shown the world, rightly so, the loftiness of your stature and the steadfastness of your determination stemming from the strength of your faith and your love for your homeland, and your commitment to your eternal motto: ‘God, Nation, King’.
An excerpt from the congratulatory message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the members of the Moroccan national football team on the occasion of the unprecedented historic achievement in the 2022 FIFA World Cup competitions – December 17, 2022″.
The outstanding performance of the Lions of the Atlas in this international event stems from an insightful royal vision and many years of investment in player development, infrastructure, and human capital. This has been particularly achieved through a sports academy that puts forth commendable efforts, providing high-quality training. The academy spares no effort in preparing future football players.
« In my country – the Kingdom of Morocco – I have sought to make football a driver of success and sustainable human development. In addition to being a passion and the expression of creative skill and talent, football also implies a vision of the future, a long-term commitment, efficient, transparent governance, as well as investment in infrastructure and human capital ».
Excerpt from the message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of receiving the Excellence Award for the year 2022 from the African Football Confederation, presented to him in Kigali – Tuesday, 21 Sha’ban 1444 H, corresponding to March 14, 2023.
The Academy, established through the insightful vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the overall development of sports and specifically football, has also left its mark in the competition of the Africa Cup of Nations for under-17s. Nine graduates from the Academy participated in this continental tournament, being part of a squad of 26 players from the national under-17 team that clinched the silver medal in the Africa Cup of Nations in this category after their defeat in the final against Senegal (1-2).
Despite their young age, the players of the national under-17 team shone with their skills and technical abilities on the field throughout the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, displaying a fighting spirit, efficiency, and fair play in the various matches of this competition.
« We are pleased to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on the outstanding achievement of reaching the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations for Under-17s in its fourteenth edition hosted by our sister Algeria. Your well-deserved qualification for the 2023 World Cup is a testament to your competence and merit ».
An excerpt from the congratulatory message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the members of the national team for their remarkable achievement during the Africa Cup of Nations for Under-17s and their qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
Thanks to this exceptional achievement of the Atlas lion cubs, Moroccan football, both in men’s and women’s categories, continues to shine on the global and continental stage across various age groups. This demonstrates its ability to sustain its momentum, maintain its level, and exert influence for many years, allowing it to keep adding brilliant pages to its history.
« We are all proud of this team, which has shown, throughout the stages of this continental championship, a high competitive spirit and delivered outstanding performance, serving as a wonderful example of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to national pride, to proudly raise the flag of the nation high. »
Excerpt from the congratulatory message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the members of the Moroccan national women’s football team on the occasion of reaching the final of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and the historic qualification for the 2023 World Cup – July 24, 2022.
The remarkable success of football in Morocco is not a result of chance but rather stems from diligent work undertaken by sports authorities and relevant institutions. They are dedicated to developing sports infrastructure, along with effective managerial governance aimed at enhancing the performance and competitiveness of the national football scene. This approach aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has consistently expressed confidence in the capabilities of Moroccan sports and shown support for all positive initiatives.
We have full confidence in the great potential of Moroccan sports. Therefore, we will spare no effort to support all good initiatives dedicated to the supreme goal we have set for ourselves, which is to make Moroccan sports an exemplary model and a factor for social cohesion, enhancing our regional and international influence.
Excerpt from the message of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the participants in the Second National Debate on Moroccan Sports – Skhirat, 24 Shawwal 1429 H corresponding to 24 October 2008.
The establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, requiring an investment of 140 million dirhams, embodies the royal philosophy in the field and the benevolent care that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has consistently devoted to the sports sector in general and the development of football in particular.
The academy, built on an approximately 18-hectare area, aims to contribute to the selection and training of high-level football practitioners by implementing an educational system that seamlessly integrates sports and studies. This sports institution, adhering to international standards and providing a suitable framework with optimal conditions of comfort and safety, also facilitates the training of youth, enabling them to engage in elite football, both within Morocco and internationally.
« As well, efforts should be made to create an effective model that allows for the development of elite sports and mass sports within a framework of harmony and coherence, giving them equal attention in public sports policies. Elite sports contribute to elevating national sports to high levels, serving as an exemplary model for the general public. »
Excerpt from a letter from His Majesty King Mohammed VI to participants in the second national debate on Moroccan sports in Skhirat, 24 Shawwal 1429 Hijri, corresponding to October 24, 2008.
The Academy, a result of royal determination, has been constructed and equipped according to standards that place it on par with globally renowned European vocational training centers. The primary goal is to nurture the Moroccan youth by providing them with favorable conditions for receiving sports and scientific training, enabling them to excel in leading football clubs both in Morocco and Europe.
Prominent Graduates of the Academy:
National Senior Team :
- Youssef En-Nesyri: Professional player for Sevilla FC in Spain.
- Nayef Aguerd: Player for West Ham United in England.
- Azzedine Ounahi: Currently playing for Olympique de Marseille.
- Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti: Player for Wydad Athletic Club.
National Youth Team :
- Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal
- Taha Benrhozil
- Adam Aznou Ben Cheikh
- Hamza Koutoune
- Fouad Zahouani
- Marwan Ryan Biad
- Haitham Mous
- Hamza El Motaouakkel
- Said Errafiy
- Zakaria Alaoui
- Abdellah Baala
