Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has rallied his teammates and the people of Morocco to look forward to better things in the future after the heartbreak in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during the national team’s official reception at the Guest Palace, hosted by Prince Moulay Rachid, El Aynaoui took time to acknowledge the unwavering support of Moroccan fans while calling on the nation to turn its attention to what lies ahead.
“We thank the Moroccan public for their support for us in this tournament, and throughout these years. Now, we must focus on the future and move past this,” El Aynaoui said in a televised interview.
Morocco ended the 2025 AFCON as runners-up after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal following extra time.
The final, played on Sunday night, was heavily overshadowed by controversy, with a prolonged stoppage, on-pitch protests, and intense post-match debate dominating discussions long after the final whistle.
Emotions ran high among players and supporters, who were left grappling with frustration and disappointment.
El Aynaoui himself was at the centre of a frightening moment midway through the second half. In the 65th minute, the midfielder rose to challenge for a header inside the penalty area and collided mid-air with a Senegalese player, leaving him bloodied and prompting immediate concern inside the stadium.
After receiving treatment and returning to the pitch with a heavily bandaged head, the 24-year-old chose to continue the match, a decision that drew loud applause from the Rabat crowd.
Throughout the tournament, El Aynaoui emerged as one of Morocco’s standout performers. His calm composure, relentless work rate, and tactical intelligence were evident in every outing, as he dictated play, disrupted opposition attacks, and provided a vital link between defence and attack. Whether shielding the back line or driving the team forward, he consistently imposed himself on matches with authority.
The 2025 AFCON proved to be a defining tournament for El Aynaoui, cementing his status as Morocco’s midfield pivot and one of the competition’s revelation players.
From the group stage through to the semi-final and the final, he demonstrated an ability to perform under immense pressure, playing a central role in everything Morocco achieved on the pitch despite the disappointment of falling just short of the title.
