By Alex RobertsThat doesn’t just happen though. It takes an awful lot of time, dedication and, of course, money to produce a top-level footballer; thousands have slipped through the cracks because they weren’t born in the right place or at the right time. Morocco wants to be next, and years of investment are starting to pay off. King Mohammed VI had a vision and since 2008, football has been a major driver of social and economic development in the North African nation.The aptly named Mohammed VI Football Academy opened its doors in 2010 with the aim of creating a national footballing identity across all levels, it has since been credited as one of, if not THE main reason behind Morocco’s recent success.A semi-final in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the first for an African nation, 36 years after the men’s national team became the first to win a group stage and progress to the knockouts, remains the pinnacle.Morocco’s run at the 2022 World CupIt’s not like they had an easy run either. Morocco made it to the final four the hard way, beating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, three European powerhouses, before eventually being knocked out by France.About 18-months later at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Tarik Sektioui at the helm, the men proved it wasn’t a fluke, bringing home the bronze medal, eventually losing to a Spain side that included the likes of Fermín López, Pau Cubarsí, Álex Baena, and Pablo Barrios, all of which are certified LaLiga stars.There was a broad acceptance in Morocco that these successes wouldn’t have been possible without the performances of players from the country’s diaspora. Of the squad that went to Qatar, 70% were born in Europe, are based there, or both.Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s poster boy and arguably their greatest ever player, was born in Spain and plays for Paris Saint Germain. Manager Regragui was born in Paris and still lives there. All of this talent is ultimately the product of the European system. The goal isn’t necessarily to change that, but it is to produce more ‘home grown’ talent. Local scouting has improved, Morocco’s Under-20’s team won the World Cup in Chile earlier in the year and the Mohammed VI Football Academy was integral.Four of the players who were in the starting lineup in the 2-0 final win over Argentina were Academy products: Fouad Zahouani, Yassine Khalifi, Hossam Essadak, and Yassir Zabiri, who bagged both goals and won the Player of the Match award.“We’re starting to reap the rewards. The academies and their facilities, along with the national centres. It’s a project that’s been in the making for years. Some great players have come through the Academy who made us dream at the 2022 World Cup, reflecting all the effort and hard work that has gone into the project,” said manager Mohamed Ouahbi after the game.Qualification for next year’s World Cup couldn’t have been simpler. They won all eight of their games, scoring 22 goals and conceding just two. With other African giants falling by the wayside, Morocco will likely be representing the continent in the latter stages once again.Morocco topped their World Cup qualifying group with easeAt club level, Morocco are looking a little further east, hoping to take a page out of Egypt’s book. Al Ahly, Zamalek, and latterly, Pyramids FC are often cited as the biggest clubs in Africa, with 18 CAF Champions Leagues between them and a vast majority of national team players staying in their home country.Only Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed of the players called up for November’s international break are based outside of Egypt.Of course, that means clubs would have to play wages that would help halt the allure of European clubs, a task easier said than done. This summer, however, a huge step was taken, and one of the biggest names in Moroccan football history made the switch.After being released by Qatari side Al-Duhail SC in the summer, former Ajax, Chelsea, and Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech joined Wydad Casablanca, his first time playing for a club in the country he represents, having begun his career in the Netherlands.Admittedly, they’re not signing Ziyech at his pomp, in fact he hasn’t played a single game yet, but the symbolism is hugely important. The now 32-year-old’s popularity in Morocco can’t be understated; he was their very own Salah for years. Perhaps just as importantly, facilities are being upgraded at a rapid rate, and that has been reflected in the trust by international football governing bodies, having Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, among others.The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Ibn Battuta Stadium in Tangier, Adrar Stadium in Agadir and the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca have all been renovated but the pièce de resistance is the under-construction Hassan II Stadium.Projected to be finished in 2028, it will be the home of the Moroccan national team and one of the grandest stadiums on the planet, playing host to 115,000 football fans, although it will of course be used for things outside of the sport.The women’s game is taking off too. The Atlas Lionesses hosted and reached the WAFCON final in 2024 before losing 3-2 to Nigeria thanks to an 88th minute goal from Jennifer Echegini. They want to go one better when they host it again next year.AFCON starts in December, with Morocco hosting for the first time since 1988, their only tournament win coming in 1976. This is their moment, as heavy favourites to get their hands on that big golden trophy, winning would be a culmination of all the hard work that’s got them to this point.Moroccan football has never had it so good.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow the 2025 AFCON on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.