Morocco’s football renaissance is the outcome of over two decades of strategic planning and royal vision — not coincidence — according to Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF).

Speaking to the media, Lekjaa emphasized that hosting the Africa Cup of Nations is only one chapter in a broader development journey led by King Mohammed VI. “The Kingdom stands ready — organizationally, infrastructurally, and with a vision befitting Morocco’s image on the continent and globally,” he said.

He traced this transformation to 2008, when King Mohammed VI outlined a national sports development roadmap, followed by the 2009 inauguration of the Mohammed VI Football Academy — a turning point that produced top talents such as Ounahi, Aguerd, and Tagnaouti.

“The academy embodies professionalism, scientific training, and international standards,” Lekjaa said, adding that the investment also focused on empowering Moroccan coaches. “From Walid Regragui to Tarik Sektioui, all our national teams are now led by homegrown talent — this is not a gamble but a strategic conviction.”

He noted that the Mohammed VI Academy and the Football Center, opened in 2019, have established a complete football ecosystem that produces players, coaches, and analysts working in harmony. “In recent years, we’ve reached 29 finals at club and national levels — winning 25. These results are the product of institutional work with clear objectives,” he stated.

Lekjaa stressed that Morocco’s progress is sustainable, guided by a philosophy where “generation passes to generation.” All categories — from U17 to senior teams — follow a unified training system within the Mohammed VI Center, ensuring consistency and excellence.

He concluded that the royal vision has transformed sport into a driver of economic and social development, positioning football as a key pillar for youth empowerment, national pride, and Morocco’s global image.