“I don’t give my shirt away” – Othmane Maamma opens up on safety concerns

Othmane Maamma, the rising Moroccan talent currently playing for Watford FC, has opened up about his personal approach to post-match traditions, revealing why he rarely exchanges jerseys with other players.

The youngster, who was named Best Player at the 2025 Youth World Cup won by Morocco, explained that his decision is rooted in caution rather than disregard for the gesture.

Caution Over Tradition

In remarks reported by the Moroccan outlet “Al-Batoula,” Maama made it clear that he does not follow the common football custom of swapping shirts after matches.

“I am not one of those people who ask for or distribute jerseys. After the matches, I greet the fans, and I enjoy myself with my team if we win. If we lose, I go to the locker room,” he said.

While acknowledging that shirt exchanges can be a meaningful tradition, the Moroccan star emphasised that his personal safety remains his priority.

Security Comes First

Maama further explained that his reluctance stems from concerns about how his personal items could be used once they leave his possession.

“It’s nice sometimes to give away your shirt, but I’m the type of person who’s very cautious. You can’t know what people will do with your used things. So I’m careful, I don’t give away much, and I try to keep my security in check.”

His comments offer a rare insight into the mindset of a young professional navigating both fame and personal boundaries, choosing caution over convention in an era where players’ personal items can quickly circulate beyond their control.