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Rabat – In a recent interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), credited Morocco’s football achievements to the long-term vision of King Mohammed VI.
The interview was published on October 22, and it highlights how strategic planning and investment have transformed Moroccan football over the past 15 years.
“Everything we have achieved is the result and culmination of the royal sports vision implemented more than fifteen years ago,” said Lekjaa.
He recalled the 2008 National Sports Conference as the starting point, where “the foundations were laid, and a clear roadmap was defined, explaining the key elements for success.”
One of the most significant events in Moroccan football was the launch of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in 2009 in Salé.
Lekjaa described it as “one of the best centers, if not the best, in world football.” The academy has produced top talents like Nayef Aguerd, Azzedine Ounahi, and Youssef En-Nesyri – all of whom played key roles in Morocco’s historic run reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Lekjaa also stressed the fighting spirit that defines Moroccan players. “The common thread across all national teams is the fighting spirit. Today, the mindset of all our male and female players is to win titles and compete with football’s traditional giants.”
Lekjaa also expressed his ambition to see Morocco win a senior World Cup title, following the U-20 team’s recent triumph in Chile. “I believe we will soon witness a Moroccan, African, or Arab team crowned world champions at the senior level. For us, nothing is stopping us from chasing these titles,” he said.
He also stressed that the national team belongs to all Moroccans, whether they play in the domestic league or were developed abroad.
Lekjaa’s remarks come as Morocco prepares to host major tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December and the 2030 World Cup.
