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Rabat – A thrilling World Cup tournament concluded in Qatar on Sunday, but beyond Lionel Messi’s lifting of the trophy or Mbappe’s hat-trick in the final, Morocco’s national team was undoubtedly the surprise story of the tournament.
In their quest to become the first Arab team to reach the quarter-finals, as well as the first African or Arab squad to reach the semi-finals, Morocco’s Atlas Lions stunned European giants like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.
Morocco’s World Cup triumphs captivated the attention of all Moroccans. Men and women, young and old, they were all able to observe that Moroccans are dreamers, confident, and capable.
Here are 10 lessons we learned from Morocco’s triumphant World Cup run.
The King of Morocco, donning the Moroccan team jersey, celebrates with the people in the streets of Rabat. It was a symbol of the symbiosis between the King and the people and an evidence of Morocco’s security and safety.
The Emir of Qatar cheers for the Moroccan team’s victory at the stadium and waves the Moroccan flag, in a showcase of pan-Arab solidarity and brotherhood.
Thousands of Moroccans enthusiastically and proudly sing the Moroccan national anthem at the beginning of each game, presenting a feeling of honor and glory.
Bono’s smile, Ziyech’s scream, Hakimi’s confidence, Ounahi’s skillfulness, Amrabat’s pugnacity, and En-Nesyri’s lope. Behind them, the entire team stands as a family to defend the nation.
Players hug their mothers at the end of each game, a sign of identity and authenticity from the heart of this nation. Behind it, millions of women support the Lions inside the stadiums and in front of their TV screens in all Moroccan cities.
Millions of supporters sing, dance, and celebrate the historic victory. Moroccans recollect the revolution of the King and the people and the Green March. They revived their music heritage, chanting Nidae al Hassan, Laayoune Inia, Bladi ya Zine Lbouldane, and other songs.
Throughout the world, Moroccan communities celebrate and show pride in being Moroccan. In city squares across the Arab World, Africa and worldwide, people showed the V sign for victory and expressed admiration for Morocco.
In Palestine, miracles do happen. Enemies and foes meet around the love of Morocco, waving its flag and chanting for its glory. In Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, rival factions put aside their weapons and conflicts to meet around the TV in solidarity with the Moroccan football squad.
The Atlas Lions’ head coach Walid Regragui, fond of Morocco and his players, says : “Let’s keep faith. The ball will hit the bar and get out.” This reflects strong faith, determination, and constructive communication with a united team playing to raise their nation’s flag.
A symbiosis of the entire nation. Its cities and villages, from north to south, women and men, young and old, chanting the epic slogan “Sir, Sir” with songs and ululations. It is the joy of the King and the people, it is the “Moroccan way of life,” it is the Moroccan exception.
