Rabat — Morocco’s football family mourned today the loss of Ahmed Faras, a true icon of Moroccan football who passed away at the age of 78 following a battle with illness.
Faras left a lasting legacy behind in Moroccan sports history, both for his city’s club and the national team.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had been covering his medical expenses in recognition of his invaluable contributions to national football.
Faras left a legacy and indelible mark on the history of Moroccan football, both at Mohammedia club and the national team level. Loyal to SC Chabab Mohammedia throughout his career, he is the epitome of sporting loyalty.
From his debut in 1964 until his retirement in 1982, he spent 17 years defending the colors of his hometown club, leading it to the top of the national championship in 1980.
A formidable striker, a fine technician and a leader on the pitch, Faras shone with his eye for goal and elegance.
Top scorer in the league in 1969 and 1973, winner of the Throne Cup twice in 1972, 1975, he also offered his club the National Supercup in 1975 and a Maghreb consecration by winning the Maghreb Cup Winners’ Cup in 1973.
But it was with the Moroccan national team that Faras became a true legend.
An exemplary captain, he took part in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Morocco’s first appearance in the competition.
The iconic player made history as the first Moroccan player to win the African Golden Ball in 1975.
Faras also led Morocco’s Atlas Lions to their only Africa Cup of Nations victory in Ethiopia in 1976, winning the title of best player of the competition, confirming his status as a benchmark of African football.
