July 4, 2025 – Moroccan football continues to rise on the global stage, with six standout players competing in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Representing elite clubs including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Bayern Munich, these Moroccan internationals and prospects reflect the depth of talent fueling Morocco’s golden generation.

🇪🇸 Real Madrid

1. Brahim Díaz – A dynamic attacking midfielder, Díaz has become a key figure at Real Madrid. Since committing to the Moroccan national team in 2024, he’s delivered standout performances in La Liga and on the international stage. His vision, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a major threat in the final third.
2. Youssef Lekhedim – A rising defensive talent in Real Madrid’s squad, Lekhedim represents the new wave of Moroccan youth making its way through elite European academies. His inclusion in the tournament squad signals both Real Madrid’s faith in his development and Morocco’s future in defense.

🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

3. Achraf Hakimi – Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi leads PSG’s defense with pace, composure, and attacking flair. A standout in both the Champions League and early Club World Cup matches, Hakimi was named to the tournament’s Best XI.

🇸🇦 Al Hilal

4. Yassine Bounou – Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper, now starring for Al Hilal, made headlines after a heroic 10-save performance that knocked out Manchester City. Bounou’s leadership and big-match presence earned him a spot in the Club World Cup Best XI.
5. Abderrazak Hamdallah – The powerful striker, brought in on a short-term transfer, has added much-needed firepower to Al Hilal’s attack. Known for his finishing and aerial threat, Hamdallah is key to the Saudi club’s semifinal ambitions.

🇩🇪 Bayern Munich

6. Adam Aznou – A promising young left-back with excellent technique and speed, Aznou is part of Bayern Munich’s first-team setup and has already debuted for Morocco’s senior national team. His role in this tournament marks a significant step in his rising career.

🌍 Morocco’s Football Power on Display

These six Moroccan players aren’t just representing—they’re dominating headlines at the Club World Cup. From veterans like Hakimi and Bounou to rising stars like Aznou and Lekhedim, Morocco’s football reputation continues to surge at both club and international levels.

Their performances are further proof that Morocco is no longer just a participant in global football—it is now a serious contributor to its elite class.

🏆 Quarter-Final Fixtures Featuring Moroccan Players

• Al Hilal vs. Fluminense – Bounou and Hamdallah aim to carry the Saudi giants into the semifinals.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – Featuring Brahim Díaz and Youssef Lekhedim.

PSG vs. Bayern Munich – Achraf Hakimi faces Adam Aznou in a battle of speed and technique.

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – The long‑awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is finally set to kick off in Morocco on July 5, after an unprecedented 19‑month delay. The nation, hosting for the second straight time, will welcome 12 teams across five Moroccan cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda, and Berkane—culminating in a thrilling final scheduled for July 26 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

🎉 Hosts Set the Stage

Morocco will open the tournament in Rabat, facing Zambia in Group A. As co‑hosts and runners‑up in the previous edition, the Atlas Lionesses enter under a renewed spotlight. Former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, now guides the Moroccan side with high expectations for a home‑grown triumph.

🌟 Top Contenders

Defending champions South Africa—clinching their first WAFCON in Morocco in 2022—return to defend the title amid internal unrest, including coaching contract delays and player salary disputes. Nigeria’s powerhouse Super Falcons aim to maintain dominance, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, buoyed by stars Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are poised to make a major impact.

⚠️ Off‑Field Turbulence

The tournament enters the field overshadowed by governance and scheduling challenges. CAF’s decision to delay the competition by over a year—prompted by scheduling overlaps with the Paris Olympics—has drawn sharp criticism from multiple federations, accusing African football’s governing body of creating uncertainty and disrupting team momentum.

Furthermore, several teams have raised complaints regarding payment issues. South Africa has been preparing without a finalized coaching contract, while players from Zambia and Nigeria have reportedly not received promised bonuses. These controversies threaten to dampen spirits ahead of kick‑off .

🏗️ Infrastructure & Legacy

Morocco, known for its top‑tier stadiums and event organization, has once again invested in world‑class facilities. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and venues in Casablanca and Berkane have undergone upgrades to provide optimal conditions for athletes and fans alike. Morocco’s repeated hosting duties underscore its commitment to advancing African women’s football—both in capacity and visibility.

Liverpool FC and the footballing world have been plunged into mourning after the tragic death of 28-year-old forward Diogo Jota. Jota, a key member of both Liverpool and the Portugal national team, was killed alongside his brother André Silva in a single-vehicle crash in the province of Zamora, Spain, in the early hours of July 3, 2025. The pair were returning to England for pre-season preparations when their Lamborghini left the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla and burst into flames, claiming both lives at the scene.

The Accident

According to the Spanish Civil Guard and subsequent investigations, Jota’s Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle on the A-52 motorway just before 00:40 CEST. The car veered off the road and ignited, with emergency services unable to rescue the occupants before the blaze took hold. Both Diogo Jota and his 25-year-old brother were pronounced dead at the scene, victims of what officials described as a “catastrophic chain of events” triggered by the mechanical failure.

Club and National Reaction

Liverpool Football Club issued a statement expressing utter devastation at the loss of one of their brightest stars, requesting privacy for the grieving family and pledging full support to all affected. Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, conveyed his “deepest condolences” and described the tragedy as a “utterly heartbreaking loss for our nation”. UEFA has announced a one-minute silence before all matches at the Women’s Euro 2025 on July 3 and 4 to honour both brothers, with players set to wear black armbands in tribute.

Tributes and Memorials

An outpouring of grief has swept social media and stadiums across Europe. Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, posted on Instagram that he was “completely heartbroken” and struggled to find meaning in such a senseless loss. Club captain Virgil van Dijk and dozens of teammates shared memories of Jota’s infectious smile and work ethic. Outside Anfield, fans of all allegiances laid flowers, scarves, and jerseys on the grass verge behind the Main Stand, creating a spontaneous shrine to the No. 20. Liverpool has opened a book of condolence at the stadium and lowered flags to half-mast, while local authorities in both England and Portugal have declared official periods of mourning.

Career and Legacy

Diogo Jota’s rise to prominence was swift and remarkable. A graduate of Paços de Ferreira’s youth academy, he earned a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016 before loan spells at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. At Wolves, he scored 18 goals in all competitions during the 2017–18 Championship season, helping secure promotion to the Premier League. His performances earned him a permanent move to Wolves for €14 million, and in 2020 Liverpool activated his £41 million release clause to bring him to Anfield.

Under Klopp, Jota flourished as a versatile forward, capable of playing across the frontline. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, contributing to Liverpool’s Premier League triumph in 2024–25, FA Cup and League Cup victories, and deep UEFA Champions League runs. Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and playing a pivotal role in UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Personal Life

Born in Porto in 1996, Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025—just 11 days before the accident. The couple shared three young children, and Jota was known off the pitch as a devoted family man and passionate gamer, even ranking world No. 1 on FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard. His humility and kindness endeared him to teammates and fans alike.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool players are due to report back for pre-season training early next week, with a friendly against Preston North End scheduled for July 13 at Deepdale. Plans are underway to hold a formal memorial at Anfield, with further tributes to be unveiled throughout the season in honour of Jota’s enduring legacy. The club and community continue to grapple with the magnitude of this loss, united in grief and gratitude for a life and career cut tragically short.