Tuesday 05 November 2024

Tuesday 05 November 2024

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

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

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Real Madrid’s Moroccan star Brahim Díaz said that “he dreams of writing history with the national team and bringing joy to Moroccan fans.”

” I’m very proud to wear Morocco’s national team jersey. I’m grateful to Morocco and the entire African continent for all the love and warm welcome I’ve received,” Brahim Díaz told MAP in an exclusive interview at the Valdebebas training center in Madrid.

The former AC Milan player voiced his pride to play for the Moroccan national team which is steadily soaring towards a very bright future.

The Atlas Lions’ No.10 also raved about joining the national team which has gone smoothly,” thanks to the love and warm welcome of everyone. I’ve always felt part of this big family.” 

He pledged to do his utmost to contribute to the Atlas Lions’ success and make the Moroccan public happy.

In addition, the former Manchester City player stated that Moroccan football never ceased to honor the national colors across generations. 

“The current team is no exception,” he affirmed, noting that the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympic Games’ achievements demonstrate, in all respects, all the work accomplished and serve as a source of pride for all Moroccans. 

Brahim Díaz also highlighted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s efforts which, thanks to the enlightened vision of HM King Mohammed VI, is fully committed to the rise of national football, the development of sports infrastructure and the support of national teams.

He also thanked the Moroccan public for all their love and unconditional support, especially in times of injury.

“The welcome I’ve received in Oujda will remain one of the most precious moments in my career,” concluded Real Madrid’s Moroccan star.

Morocco’s football national team moved up one place to 13th in the world rankings published by FIFA on Thursday.

With 1,681.57 points, the Atlas Lions remain the top African team, ahead of Senegal in 20th place with 1,627.13 points.

The national team also remains the first Arab team, ahead of Egypt, 30th, with 1526.25 points.

Argentina remains at the top of the FIFA rankings, followed by France and Spain.

Top 10 :

1. Argentina

2. France

3. Spain

4. England

5. Brazil

6. Belgium

7. Portugal

8. Netherlands

9. Italy

10. Colombia

Morocco’s national football team proved to be heavy guests on Tuesday for their host, Central African Republic’s national team, in the 4th day of group B of the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Morocco’s young prodigy, Eliesse Ben Seghir, opened the scoring in the 34th minute and added another to his tally in the 37th, before Youssef En-Nesyri (50’, p.) and  Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (65’) sealed the host’s fate, making it a 4-0 rout. 

In the same group, Gabon bested Lesotho 2-0.

Following these fixtures, Morocco lead group B with 12 points, followed by Gabon who managed to earn 7 points. The Central African Republic is placed 3rd with 3 points, while Lesotho fall last with a single point.

The Moroccan national football team comfortably beat their Central African counterpart in a 5 to null thrashing on Saturday at Oujda’s Honor Stadium, in the 3rd day of Group B of the African qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (18’), Azzeddine Ounahi (38’, 45 ‘+2), Achraf Hakimi (45’) and Soufiane Rahimi (pen. 71’) signed their names on the scoresheet in this demolition job.

The Atlas Lions, who have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON finals as hosts, consolidated their position at the top of Group B with 9 points after wins over Gabon (4-1) and Lesotho (1-0) on the first two matchdays.

Morocco’s national football coach, Walid Regragui, has announced the 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Central African Republic. The matches are set to take place on October 12 and 15 at the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda, as part of the qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON, which Morocco will host.

Although Morocco has already secured its place in the 2025 AFCON as the host nation, the team is competing in Group B alongside Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Lesotho. The Atlas Lions have made an impressive start to the qualifiers, defeating Gabon 4-1 and Lesotho 1-0 in their first two matches.

Goalkeepers:

– Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane)

– Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)

– Salaheddine Chihab (Maghreb of Fez)

Defenders:

– Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

– Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids, Egypt)

– Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United, England)

– Abdelkabir Abqar (Deportivo Alavés, Spain)

– Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad, Spain)

– Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich, Germany)

– Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (Stade Rennais, France)

– Jamal Harkass (Wydad Casablanca)

Midfielders:

– Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahçe, Türkiye)

– Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)

– Bilal El Khannous (Leicester City, England)

– Oussama Targhaline (Le Havre, France)

– Azzeddine Ounahi (Panathinaikos, Greece)

– Reda Belahyane (Hellas Verona, Italy)


Forwards:

– Ilias Akhomach (Villareal CF, Spain)

– Amine Adli (Leverkusen, Germany)

– Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, UAE)

– Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos, Greece)

– Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe, Türkiye)

– Iliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, France)

– Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, Spain)

– Osame Sahraoui (Lille, France)

 Morocco remained Africa’s highest ranked team in the latest FIFA world rankings, released Thursday.

   The Atlas Lions were unchanged at 14th spot with 1676.14 points, ahead of Senegal, ranked 21st globally with 1,620.87 points. Egypt rounds out the top three on the continent, sitting 31st in the world with 1,515.64 points.

   On the global stage, Argentina remains the top-ranked team, followed by France and Spain.

FIFA World Rankings:

1 – Argentina

2- France

3- Spain

4 – England

5 – Brazil

6 – Belgium

7 – Netherlands

8 – Portugal

9 – Colombia

10 – Italy