Immersed in Moroccan Passion for Football
Since August 2023, Céline Plasson has been teaching at the Jacques Majorelle school in Marrakech, where she has had the unique opportunity to experience firsthand the overwhelming passion that Moroccans have for football. In Morocco, the World Cup transcends mere sporting competition; it embodies a societal phenomenon that captivates the hearts and minds of the entire nation.
Returning to Montceau-les-Mines for the summer holidays, Céline shares the remarkable enthusiasm that has swept through the kingdom. This fervor was palpable during the Africa Cup of Nations, when the disappointment of a final loss was transformed into joy when the Lions of the Atlas were eventually declared the winners on a technicality after a hard-fought match against Senegal. "I experienced a passion that simply does not exist in France," she confides, illustrating the depth of emotional investment in the sport.
The Electric Atmosphere of Marrakech
Today, Marrakech is alive with the energy of the World Cup, with the entire city pulsating in anticipation of the quarterfinal match against France, scheduled for Thursday evening at 10 PM. Before heading back to France, Céline too has become enveloped in the festive atmosphere. On June 30, like millions of Moroccans, she watched the nail-biting match against the Netherlands, which culminated in a heroic victory for the Lions of the Atlas during a penalty shootout.
Upon arriving at school at 8:30 AM the following morning, Céline was met with a rather unusual sight. "Not a single student was present!" she recalls with a smile. "I have been following these students since they were in fifth grade, and both boys and girls are 1000% behind their national team." With exams completed and summer vacation commencing just three days later, the stage was set for unrestrained enthusiasm for football.
"You should see the atmosphere in Marrakech on match nights. Cafés, restaurants, and terraces all host special viewing parties, and many establishments even secure permissions to stay open all night. The entire city vibrates to the same rhythm of excitement," she explains, painting a vivid picture of the communal spirit surrounding the tournament.
In Morocco, football has evolved into a significant aspect of national identity. The qualification of the Lions of the Atlas has garnered support from major public enterprises, with Royal Air Maroc offering round-trip flights to Boston at a staggering price of 10,000 dirhams (approximately 1,000 euros) to enable fans to witness the quarterfinal clash against France. "Twelve special flights have been arranged, totaling nearly 3,600 seats. This is monumental, especially considering that the minimum wage in Morocco is around 10,000 dirhams," Céline emphasizes, highlighting the extraordinary lengths to which fans will go to support their team.
As the match approaches this evening, Céline finds herself torn between her loyalties. "Of course, I want France to win. But if Morocco triumphs, I know there will be so many happy people…" Ultimately, regardless of the outcome, her sentiments are clear. "I will be happy in either case."
As reported by linformateurdebourgogne.com.
