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Rabat – Atlas Lion Chadi Riad says his dream is to win the World Cup with Morocco’s national football team.
Speaking to Spanish sports outlet AS, Riad described the experience of playing his first World Cup as “a dream come true.” He described representing his country as the most important part of his career. “Playing for my national team is what I enjoy the most, so imagine playing a World Cup,” the player stressed. “It is something I have always dreamed of.”
‘If we don’t believe it, nobody will’
Morocco made history in the last World Cup by becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, and expectations are now even higher. Riad said the team is not hiding its ambition this time. “The objective is to win the World Cup. There is no other goal. If we don’t believe it, nobody will,” he said.
He also thanked Moroccan fans for their strong support around the world. “They are always with us, no matter what happens. We are very thankful,” he added.
Riad has already had a fast rise in football. He has played for FC Barcelona, Real Betis Balompié, and now Crystal Palace. He said each club helped him grow as a player and as a person. “I have learned a lot everywhere I have been. I am a better player and a better person now,” he said.
Atlas Lions’ journey from World Cup hope to mature confidence
Morocco’s national football team arrives at this World Cup after their historic semi-final run in 2022, where they shocked several top teams and became the first African nation to reach that stage.
In the ongoing tournament, Morocco are continuing their group stage campaign with strong expectations to qualify for the knockout rounds again. The Atlas Lions locked horns with Brazil in their World Cup opener, which ended in a strongly contested 1-1 draw.
Morocco made a confident start and deservedly took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari after an impressive opening spell. The Atlas Lions looked organized, fearless, and dangerous going forward, forcing Brazil onto the back foot for long periods of the first half.
The Brazilians eventually responded through Vinicius Junior, who scored the equalizer to ensure the two teams went into halftime level. Many observers felt Morocco could even have claimed all three points after another mature performance on the world stage.
Their upcoming matches will be crucial as they aim to build on their previous success and push further than ever before. The team will face Scotland on Thursday and Haiti next week.
