Former Moroccan International Abdelkader Lachheb Passes Away at 70

Rabat – The Moroccan football community mourns the passing of Abdelkader Lachheb, former Moroccan national team player, diplomat, and ambassador, who died today at the age of 70 due to illness.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) extended its condolences in a statement to his family, close friends, and the broader football community.

In an official release, the FRMF expressed sympathy on behalf of its president, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the executive board. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Abdelkader Lachheb and to all those who knew him. May he rest in peace,” the FRMF statement read, concluding with the traditional phrase, “We belong to God, and to him we shall return.”

Born in Oujda, Lachheb began his football career with US Musulmane d’Oujda (USMO) and Mouloudia Oujda (MCO), before joining Wydad Casablanca (WAC).

Known for his talent on the field, Lachheb made 15 appearances for the Moroccan national team and played a crucial role in Wydad Casablanca’s 1975–76 Botola title, scoring 23 goals during the season.

Lachheb’s career extended beyond football, where he made impressive contributions to Morocco’s foreign service. Holding degrees in law and international relations, Lachheb served as an ambassador in Canada, Japan, and Russia, representing Morocco with distinction in each role.

His diplomatic career began in Switzerland, where he worked with the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being appointed chief of staff to Abdellatif Filali —

politician and diplomat who served as the eleventh prime minister of Morocco in 1994.

Lachheb will be laid to rest at the Chouhada Cemetery in Casablanca following the Muslim Asr prayer. His legacy as both a sportsman and diplomat endures in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.