My body has trembled and my spirit has been shaken to its core many times before. But never like this, after witnessing Morocco reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup.
I have never believed in being a nationalist or been a fan of patriotism. Even the very concept of “nation” I have often struggled with. After all, nations are mere concepts forced upon us once upon a time by the West that have come to rob us of our tribal and cultural belongings.
A long time ago, Morocco’s “imaginary community” and its cultural influence stretched far beyond its borders, reaching the far sides of Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond. 
Moroccan fan carrying and waving Morocco’s flag.
Last month, our nation embarked on an incredible journey. That of defeating the most powerful teams in the World Cup. Silently, humbly, our Moroccan national team forged its unique pathway to glory, defeating one great opponent after the other. All while raising the African, Arab, and Moroccan flags high as one.
Our Atlas Lions faced the challenge with dignity, courage, and responsibility the impossible mission that was theirs: giving back to magnificent African and Arab people around the world the gift of dreaming – which is “free,” as coach Walid Regragui has reminded us!
Morocco’s rise to the semi-final has brought us such profound feelings of belonging, to a community larger than that of our borders. It kindled a spontaneous celebration of our common pride and joy to be Moroccan, and granted us a chance to celebrate our shared cultural heritage with our African and Arab brothers and sisters. 
Fans in Rabat celebrating Morocco’s brilliant performance at 2022 World Cup
The silent revolution that Morocco’s ascension into the World Cup tournament has brought speaks a thousand words. We are infinitely capable. We are eternally blessed. With dedication, courage, and faith, there is nothing that we can’t achieve.
The Moroccan team’s perilous yet fantastic journey through the Qatar World Cup serves as a sheer reminder to the young generation of Moroccans, Africans, and Arabs that we have the capacity and the existential right to dream and chase our dreams.
Read also: Morocco’s Hakimi Thanks Qatar, FIFA for ‘Wonderful’ Reception
May the values demonstrated by the Moroccan team, both on and off the field, inspire future generations to choose communitarianism, solidarity, and togetherness over individualism, greed, and egotism.
No wonder Morocco’s Atlas Lions dedicated their triumphs against “big” European teams to all African nations around the world who dare to dream of a better future for our countries, who dream of a world where we are perceived as equal rather than in desperate need of help. To all the Arab people who have vowed to nurture the seed of Pan-Arabism within us, and who have heard the call of unity and answered.
Moroccan football fans with Morocco’s flag
Morocco may have lost the World Cup, but they made us indescribably proud and memories of their amazing World Cup journey will stay with us and power our dreams for generations to come.
And as our valiant Moroccan Lions prepare to return home this week, our task is to build on their historic legacy to shine our brightest light forth and unleash our endless capabilities in other global tournaments. Their gift to us comes with a message: the need for Morocco — and Africa, and the Arab world — to rise from our ashes to be reborn into beautiful phoenixes.
Morocco finished in fourth place after its defeat against Croatia on Saturday.
Our Moroccan Lions, thank you for this gift. Thank you for the battles you have waged on our behalf. We hear and understand your message, and its ripples will go far beyond the realms of soccer and sports.
Africa will rise. The Arab world will unite. Together, we will help author a brighter future.
