Jordan appoint Morocco legend Badou Zaki as new head coach

The Jordan Football Association (JFA) has officially appointed Moroccan football icon Badou Zaki as the new head coach of Jordan, ushering in a new era for Al-Nashama following the departure of compatriot Jamal Sellami.

Zaki has signed a one-year contract with the Jordanian Football Association as he prepares the national team for a crucial period that will culminate in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The appointment marks the return of one of Africa’s most respected football figures to international management, with Jordan placing its faith in the vastly experienced Moroccan to build on the country’s recent progress and lead the team into its next major continental campaign.

Zaki’s arrival follows the resignation of Jamal Sellami and his technical staff, a decision that was formally accepted by the Jordan Football Association’s Board of Directors under the leadership of Prince Ali bin Hussein.

In its official statement, the federation thanked Sellami and his coaching staff for their commitment and contribution to Jordanian football during their tenure before confirming that a new chapter would begin under Zaki’s leadership.

The association also revealed that the remaining members of Zaki’s technical team will be announced at a later date, with the Moroccan coach expected to select his own assistants ahead of the team’s upcoming international assignments.

Badou Zaki arrives in Jordan with one of the most distinguished résumés in African football.

As a player, he established himself as one of Morocco’s greatest-ever goalkeepers and became a national hero after helping the Atlas Lions make history at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

His exceptional performances that year also earned him the prestigious African Player of the Year award in 1986, making him one of the continent’s most celebrated footballers.

His achievements between the posts cemented his status as one of Morocco’s all-time greats before he successfully transitioned into coaching.

Zaki has enjoyed a long and accomplished managerial career, guiding both club and national teams across Africa.

Among his most memorable achievements came in 2004, when he led Morocco to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. Although the Atlas Lions finished as runners-up, the tournament remains one of Morocco’s finest AFCON campaigns in recent decades and significantly enhanced Zaki’s reputation as a coach.

At club level, he has managed several of Morocco’s biggest teams, including Wydad Casablanca, Kawkab Marrakech, FUS Rabat (Fath Union Sport) and Ittihad Tanger, where he gained recognition for his tactical discipline and ability to build competitive squads.

His international coaching experience also includes spells with the national teams of Sudan and Niger, giving him valuable insight into managing national teams in different footballing environments.

Zaki’s immediate priority will be preparing Jordan for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, where expectations are expected to be high after the country’s growing stature in Asian football.

The Jordan Football Association believes the Moroccan’s vast international experience, tactical knowledge and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to guide the national team through the next qualification cycle and into the continental finals.

His appointment also reflects Jordan’s ambition to remain among Asia’s leading football nations and challenge the continent’s traditional powerhouses.

The announcement comes only days after Zaki publicly admitted he would welcome the opportunity to coach Jordan.

The Moroccan tactician described the possibility of taking charge of Al-Nashama as an exciting and important challenge, comments that hinted an agreement was close.

Those discussions have now culminated in an official appointment, with both parties reaching an agreement that sees Zaki return to international football once again.

Jordanian supporters will now be hoping the experienced Moroccan can replicate the success he has enjoyed throughout his illustrious career and lead the national team to another memorable chapter, beginning with preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.