King Mohammed VI did not take part in the trophy presentation at the end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, with his absence becoming one of the notable talking points following Senegal’s title triumph in Rabat.
Senegal were crowned African champions on Sunday night after a dramatic final against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The contest was settled deep into extra time, as the Lions of Teranga edged a narrow 1-0 victory to secure their second AFCON crown, adding to the title they won in 2022.
While the celebrations belonged firmly to Sadio Mané and his teammates on the pitch, attention in the stands briefly shifted to the identity of the dignitary who would present the trophy.
Contrary to some expectations, it was not King Mohammed VI who handed over the famous silverware.
Instead, the honour fell to Prince Moulay Rachid, the younger brother of the Moroccan monarch, who represented the royal family during the closing ceremony.
His presence ensured that Morocco’s royal household was formally represented, even as the King himself remained away from public view.
The absence of King Mohammed VI was not entirely unexpected.
The 62-year-old monarch was not seen at any point during the tournament, having reportedly been unable to attend due to ongoing health concerns.
These issues have limited his public appearances in recent months, and AFCON 2025 was no exception, despite the tournament being staged on Moroccan soil.
Throughout the competition, royal duties at key football events were delegated to other members of the family.
Earlier in the tournament, Prince Moulay El Hassan, the King’s eldest son, was present at national team matches and was seen on the sidelines during the opening fixture on December 21 at the same Rabat venue.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. 🇸🇳🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/6nTRDNmKDs
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
His appearances were widely viewed as a symbolic show of support for the Atlas Lions as Morocco embarked on its home campaign.
By the time the final arrived, however, it was Prince Moulay Rachid who stepped into the ceremonial role.
A familiar figure at major national events, he has often represented the monarchy at sporting and cultural occasions when required. His involvement ensured continuity and protocol were respected during one of the most watched moments of the tournament.
For Senegal, the focus quickly returned to their achievement.
Victory over the hosts in front of a packed stadium completed a demanding tournament run and confirmed their status among the continent’s elite.
The sight of Mané and his teammates lifting the trophy, regardless of who presented it, marked another milestone in the nation’s football history.
Prince Moulay Rachid has arrived at the stadium. 🇲🇦✨
Royal presence for a historic night.
He will personally present the AFCON trophy to the champions of Africa tonight.
The stage is truly set.#AFCON2025 #AFCONFinal #Morocco #AfricanFootball #AFCONwithMicky pic.twitter.com/j3Vehpt8ua
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 18, 2026
While some supporters and observers questioned the King’s absence, the explanation lay firmly in circumstances beyond the pitch.
With Prince Moulay Rachid fulfilling the ceremonial role and other members of the royal family having been visible earlier in the competition, Morocco’s leadership presence remained intact throughout AFCON 2025.
As the tournament concluded, Senegal celebrated a hard-earned title, Morocco reflected on a campaign that ended just short of glory, and questions around the trophy presentation were largely answered by the realities surrounding the monarch’s health and limited public engagements.
