Connect with us

European Leagues

World Cup: How investment is boosting Moroccan football

Morocco’s passion for football was showcased at the men’s World Cup last year, when the Atlas Lions defied all expectations and reached the semifinals in Qatar. That energy is now flowing into the women’s game.

The Moroccan diaspora reaches far across the globe, including a sizeable community numbering close to 10,000 in Australia.

It meant there was no shortage of red-clad fans in the stands for Morocco’s opener against Germany on Monday. And despite the crushing 6-0 defeat, captain Ghizlane Chebbak still wants to give them something to cheer about.

‘Diversity and richness’
“We don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate,” she told DW. “We want to be the team that no one bets on but that ends up surprising everyone.”

Moroccan culture combines influences from their Amazigh roots, Arab migration, European colonization and African identity.

For many fans like Nadia Bouchti, who has been living in Sydney the past 10 years, it’s a proud moment to see an Arab nation compete for the first time at a women’s World Cup.

“I’m so excited. Their participation can break down stereotypes as well as highlight the diversity and richness of Arab and Muslim cultures,” she said.

“It’s showcasing the talent and determination of women athletes in the region on the global stage.”

The World Cup will be just the latest chapter in a string of achievements in recent years.

More than 45,000 fans packed out the Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Morocco’s capital Rabat.

The hosts weren’t supposed to be there, but pulled off a shock win against 11-time winners Nigeria in the semifinals. They lost the final 2-1 against South Africa, but it represented a massive shift for Chebbak, who won player of the tournament.

“Things have changed since the WAFCON. We managed to change society’s perception of women’s football at that tournament,” she told DW.

“The fans’ love is really encouraging and gives us motivation to continue our work. And the Moroccan FA is making huge efforts to provide the necessary conditions. It may take time, but I’m convinced women’s football will shine in the coming years.”

While the Moroccan Football Association has invested in the women’s game since 2009, it’s been a rapid transformation since president Fouzi Lekjaa kickstarted a four-year plan in 2020 with support from the country’s monarchy.

They professionalized the top two divisions, provided set minimum wages for players and the staff of all clubs, and bolstered grassroots funding.

Hiring Reynald Pedros was another masterstroke. The French coach won two women’s Champions League titles with powerhouses Olympique Lyon and quickly reshaped the landscape.

Pedros introduced training standards and tactics and player confidence rose.

“These achievements are the result of continuous work over the years. We had big ambitions,” Chebbak said. “Now we’re concentrating on the World Cup.”

Morocco will rely on foreign-born talent with Moroccan roots at this tournament with Rosella Ayane (England), Yasmin Mrabet (Spain) and Elodie Nakkach (France) playing vital roles.

But the professionalization of the domestic leagues should be the bedrock for future generations.

Shifting opinions on women’s sport
Chabbak was fortunate that her family were always supportive of her dream to play professional football, particularly her father, Larbi, who represented the men’s national team.

“I grew up in a football-loving family who supported and advised me. My father always provided me with guidance,” she said. “Thankfully, I can say that I made him proud and I want to make him even prouder.”

Others weren’t so fortunate, facing opposition from their community and even their own family members.

“We lost many talents due to societal views and families’ rejection,” Chebbak explained. “I knew many talented players who had the potential to go far. But families were afraid of allowing their daughters to play football and prevented them from doing so.”

Germany are Morocco’s first opponents
“I’m so proud to witness these achievements and see Morocco contribute to the growth and recognition of women’s football,” said Bouchti, who traveled to Melbourne to attend the opener against Germany. “We just want to thank them for raising our flag and making us very proud.”

Group H isn’t set to get much easier with games against South Korea and Colombia to come.

And the confidence running through this team should help them achieve their lofty goals.

“It was incredible to qualify but now our focus is on the World Cup,” Chebbak said. “We know it will be challenging but we will concentrate on our style of play. We want to be competitive and reach the second round.”

Given Morocco’s meteoric rise in football in recent years, their ambitions appear within reach.

Source: dw.com

Post Views: 229
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LaLiga

Thibaut Courtois Opens Up On ‘Better Or Worse’ Moments With Xabi Alonso After Crucial Real Madrid Win

Courtois Acknowledges Ups And Downs With Alonso After Madrid’s Much-Needed Win

Real Madrid finally hit the reset button at San Mames, ending a frustrating three-match winless streak away from home with a confident 3-0 victory over Athletic Club. But beyond the scoreline, what caught attention was Thibaut Courtois’ candid admission that the squad’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has seen “better or worse moments”.

The Belgian goalkeeper—who made a crucial save at 1-0 to keep the momentum alive—praised the team’s response while subtly hinting at the internal pressures the club has faced in recent weeks.

It was a victory Madrid needed, not just for points, but for peace.

Madrid Break Slump With Their “Most Complete Display”

Xabi Alonso described the performance as Real Madrid’s best of the season, and it’s hard to argue:

  • Controlled tempo

  • Improved pressing

  • Better defensive organisation

  • Sharper transitions

After three disappointing league draws, Los Blancos finally rediscovered the level expected from a title-chasing squad.

Courtois admitted that the team’s drop in intensity—especially during the sluggish outing against Girona—was unacceptable. “If you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten,” he said.

But the win didn’t come without a price.

Both Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up injuries—adding to Madrid’s already overloaded medical room.

Courtois Clears The Air: “We’re Always Close To Him”

With rumours swirling about a fractured dressing room, Courtois made a deliberate effort to calm the noise.

Speaking to Spanish media, he clarified:

  • There’s no major conflict between Alonso and the squad

  • Tension is normal in football

  • External speculation exaggerated the situation

His exact words:
“In relationships, there are always better or worse moments… On the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it.”

It was a subtle but important message—Madrid might not be perfect, but the dressing room isn’t in flames either.

Reports Still Suggest A Dressing-Room Divide

Despite Courtois’ reassurance, the wider narrative remains tense.

Several reports have pointed to:

  • Confusion over Alonso’s tactics

  • Inconsistent roles for senior players

  • Friction with big personalities

  • Vinicius Jr.’s public frustration and contract hesitation

Madrid’s tactical experiments early in the season didn’t help, especially after the heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid and a dip in intensity throughout November.

The victory at San Mames may have paused the noise, but it hasn’t silenced it.

Madrid’s Turning Point… Or Temporary Relief?

There’s no question Madrid needed this win.
But one performance doesn’t erase the concerns:

  • Inconsistent pressing

  • Overreliance on individual brilliance

  • Mounting injuries

  • Internal pressure on Alonso’s project

The 3-0 win buys time—but the spotlight stays on.

If Real Madrid want to regain control of the title race and calm the storm around Alonso, they’ll need consistency, not just moments.

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Sports Market International — Where The Best Sport Blog Meets The Sports Market’s Biggest Stories.

Post Views: 31
Continue Reading

LaLiga

Trent Alexander-Arnold Suffers Fresh Blow As Real Madrid Confirm Two-Month Injury Layoff

Trent Alexander-Arnold limping off after suffering a thigh injury during Real Madrid’s La Liga match.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Set For Two Months Out After Latest Injury Blow

Real Madrid have confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, adding yet another setback to what has been a turbulent debut season in Spain. The 27-year-old lasted barely ten minutes after the restart against Athletic Club before limping off—an image that now defines Madrid’s growing injury crisis.

This injury is expected to keep him out for around two months, a huge blow for Los Blancos at a time when consistency and defensive stability are desperately needed.

A Promising Night Cut Short

Before the injury struck, Alexander-Arnold had delivered his first La Liga assist, showing glimpses of the attacking brilliance Madrid signed him for. But just as he appeared to be settling into rhythm, disaster hit again.

Real Madrid’s medical tests confirmed the muscular damage, marking his second major injury spell this season. Earlier, he missed six weeks with a hamstring strain, and Spanish media have been questioning whether he has fully adapted to Madrid’s intensity.

Just when Madrid needed continuity, they’re right back to patchwork solutions.

Madrid’s Right-Back Problem Just Got Worse

With Dani Carvajal already out until 2026, Alexander-Arnold’s absence leaves Xabi Alonso with no natural senior right-back available. That means another round of improvisation:

  • Federico Valverde, a midfielder by trade

  • Raul Asencio, a developing squad option

Both players can fill in, but neither offers the natural defensive profile Madrid require—especially during a jam-packed winter schedule featuring La Liga battles, European fixtures, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The more Valverde is forced into defensive duties, the less influence he can provide in midfield—a trade-off Alonso would rather avoid.

A Recovery That Needs Patience And Precision

The rectus femoris injury is particularly tricky for players who rely heavily on acceleration, long-range passing, and overlapping runs—three staples of Alexander-Arnold’s game. With his earlier hamstring problem still fresh, Madrid are expected to be extremely cautious.

Rushing him back could risk an even longer spell on the sidelines, something both club and player desperately want to avoid.

For now, his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu remains disrupted, inconsistent, and full of unanswered questions. Madrid need him, but they need him fully fit—not half ready.

What This Means For Real Madrid

Real Madrid now face:

  • A thin defensive line

  • A congested fixture schedule

  • Tactical compromises

  • Increased squad pressure

Xabi Alonso must find balance, stability, and results… without his two senior right-backs. It’s a huge test of depth and adaptability—one that could shape Madrid’s season.

Want To Advertise With Us?

📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Sports Market International — Still The Best Sport Blog For Fans, Analysts, And The Sports Market Community.

Post Views: 43
Continue Reading

Premier League

Manchester United Cannot Afford To Let Joshua Zirkzee Leave In January Despite Inconsistency

Joshua Zirkzee’s rollercoaster journey at Manchester United continues, and the Dutch striker remains one of the most unpredictable — yet potentially game-changing — players in the squad. While inconsistency has frustrated fans and coaches alike, his ability to produce magical moments from nothing makes him far too valuable to let slip away during the January transfer window.

December 2024 set the tone for Zirkzee’s United story: a two-goal performance against Everton followed by humiliation against Newcastle, where he was substituted after just 33 minutes to the audible mockery of his own supporters. Fast forward a year, and Zirkzee’s status is still complex. He had not started a match until late November, prompting whispers among fans that his future at the club could be limited.

But when called upon, Zirkzee has the ability to turn matches on their head. Against Crystal Palace, he transformed a dull performance into a hero’s moment, scoring a brilliant goal and assisting in the winning play. Fans in the away end at Selhurst Park even chanted his name to the tune of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” — a reminder of how quickly perceptions can change.

Zirkzee’s career at United has often followed this pattern. After being jeered at Newcastle, he bounced back with a winning penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup and scored in crucial Europa League away games against Real Sociedad and Lyon. He became a cult figure among supporters despite limited opportunities.

Yet, his role remains precarious. Following injuries and the arrival of £200 million worth of new attacking talent, Zirkzee has struggled to secure consistent playing time. Reports of frustration and interest from other clubs have surfaced, with Everton, West Ham, and several Italian teams, including Roma, monitoring his situation.

However, selling Zirkzee in January carries high risk and low reward. Interest from Roma is loan-based with conditions tied to Champions League qualification — a deal that provides United little certainty or immediate benefit. His flashes of brilliance, coupled with his potential to be a difference-maker in key moments, suggest that Manchester United should think twice before allowing him to depart.

In a squad with an already-packed attacking roster, Zirkzee’s unpredictability might just be exactly what United needs to turn tight games in their favor. For a player capable of producing moments of magic out of nothing, letting him go in January would be a gamble United cannot afford to take.

Want to Advertise With Us?
📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Stay connected with Sports Market International for in-depth Premier League analysis, transfer insights, and the latest updates from top European leagues.

Post Views: 55
Continue Reading

Trending