FRMF celebrates Morocco’s football legends ahead of Niger showdown

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has honoured 37 former international players in recognition of their contributions to the national team and Moroccan football history.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 12, ahead of Morocco’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Niger, bringing together former players from Casablanca, Mohammedia, Settat and El Jadida.

Among those recognised were former national team captain Noureddine Naybet, Mustapha Haddaoui, Merry Krimau, Rachid Daoudi, Hassan Nader and former goalkeeper Idriss Benzekri.

The list also featured Youssef Rossi, Lahcen Abrami, Khalid Fouhami, Badr Kaddouri, Hicham Aboucherouane and Bouchaib El Moubarki.

According to the federation, the initiative celebrates former players who represented Morocco at major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Atlas Lions meet current national team

The tribute also provided an opportunity for the former internationals to meet members of the current Atlas Lions squad, who are preparing for Friday’s encounter against Niger.

The gathering brought together different generations of Moroccan footballers, allowing the current players to interact with some of the individuals who previously represented the country on the international stage.

The FRMF said the meeting was intended to strengthen the connection between generations while recognising the contributions of former players to the development and identity of the national team.

The federation also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relationships with former internationals and ensuring their achievements remain part of Morocco’s football heritage.

FRMF continues recognition of Moroccan football legends

Thursday’s ceremony is part of the federation’s wider efforts to honour former national team players from different regions of the country.

In September 2025, the FRMF organised a similar tribute for former internationals from the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, followed by another ceremony recognising players from northern Morocco in November of the same year.

The latest initiative adds to those efforts, with the federation continuing to acknowledge the contributions of players who helped shape the history of Moroccan football.

The ceremony came a day before Morocco face Niger at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca as the Atlas Lions seek to maintain their perfect start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.