The Passionate Spirit of Moroccan Supporters
As the world gears up for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Athletic is taking a closer look at the vibrant football cultures of all 48 participating nations. This series captures the essence of each country's unique football identity through the voices of their fervent supporters. Among these nations, Morocco stands out, with its rich tapestry of football culture embodied by Oussama Marhoum, the capo of the fan group RossoVerde. Interestingly, Oussama does not watch the matches from the stands; instead, he immerses himself in the atmosphere behind the goal, orchestrating chants and rhythms with his back turned to the pitch. He believes that the true essence of supporters lies in their ability to energize the players and push them towards victory, stating, "We are special, we are here to be the player No 12." This sentiment resonates deeply within the Moroccan fan community, where the voice of the supporters is viewed as an integral part of the game itself.
Morocco enters the World Cup this summer with a commendable ranking of eighth in the FIFA standings, a position that has been solidified by their recent and somewhat controversial title as winners of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite facing a devastating loss to Senegal in the final, where they missed a crucial penalty, the Confederation of African Football later awarded them the championship title due to the Senegalese players walking off the pitch in protest. Reda Alaoui, the communications manager for RossoVerde, reflects on the absurdity of that final and the mixed emotions surrounding the delayed recognition of their victory. He notes, "What happened was deeply painful, but the decision to award us the title was commendable, as it prevents such behavior from being repeated in the future."
A Legacy of Football Culture in Morocco
The passion for football in Morocco stretches far beyond the national team; it is deeply rooted in club culture, particularly in the fierce rivalries between local teams like Raja and Wydad. Amine Bourazzouk, the founder of RossoVerde, emphasizes that supporting a club transcends mere attendance at matches; it is woven into the fabric of daily life, identity, and community. When the national team competes, this fervor amplifies, as fans unite to create an atmosphere that embodies their collective spirit. Oussama expresses this feeling, noting that when Morocco plays, the entire country pauses, with streets emptying as every citizen tunes in to support their team. This shared experience strengthens the bond among Moroccans, regardless of their backgrounds.
Morocco's football identity is characterized by the slogan "Dima Maghreb," meaning "Always Morocco," which has become synonymous with their team. This phrase adorned the open-top bus celebrating their remarkable fourth-place finish at the Qatar World Cup in 2022. The RossoVerde group, primarily led by the youth, aims to harness the nation's passion for the sport to rally behind the national team, fostering a sense of unity among long-time and newer fans alike. Since 2022, membership has surged to over 600 individuals, reflecting the growing enthusiasm surrounding Moroccan football.
As Morocco prepares for the upcoming World Cup, the fans' vibrant reputation precedes them, especially within Africa. Samir Lahmouzi, a Moroccan residing in Belgium, asserts that the unique energy Moroccan fans bring to stadiums is often acknowledged by opposing players, who describe the atmosphere as unparalleled in terms of excitement and noise. Achieving such an electrifying environment requires meticulous planning and dedication. Badr, another member of RossoVerde, explains that each match requires weeks of preparation, including organizing visual displays, coordinating chants, and managing logistics, all of which contribute to the electrifying atmosphere that Moroccan fans are known for.
Despite concerns about ticket accessibility and visa regulations for the upcoming tournament, the Moroccan fans are determined to bring their vibrant culture along with them. Samir reflects on previous trips, stating, "Every journey we’ve made has transcended mere football; it’s about connecting with people, exploring cultures, and sharing our collective passion." With their controversial AFCON victory behind them and having secured their place in the World Cup, Morocco's fans are poised to make their mark once again. Reda touches on the evolving mentality of Moroccan supporters, saying, "We are proud, but realistic. We have learned to dream carefully. However, after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar, our mindset has shifted. We are beginning to believe in our potential, and with so many talented players, why not aim for the title?"
As they gear up for a challenging group stage against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, the Moroccan fans, particularly those in RossoVerde, will arrive not only with hopes of their team’s success but also with the intention of playing an active role in that journey. Amine encapsulates this sentiment, stating, "We do not come just to watch. We come to sing, to support, and to energize the team for the full 90 minutes. That is our mentality. We want the players to feel that they are never alone on the pitch." This unwavering dedication to support and unity is what makes Moroccan fans truly special.
As reported by nytimes.com.
