A string of unsettling incidents involving Moroccan internationals across Europe has reignited debate about the psychological state of the Atlas Lions, months after the bitter disappointment of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
From dismissals and on-pitch confrontations to reckless challenges against compatriots, the recent scenes suggest that the scars of the continental final may still be shaping behaviour far beyond the national team camp.
Moroccan football followers have watched these developments with growing concern. The issue no longer appears to be confined to the pain of losing a trophy on home soil, but rather an emotional hangover that is manifesting itself in moments of lost control.
For a generation of players once praised for composure and professionalism, the contrast has been stark.
Tensions spill onto the European stage
The most striking episode came during Real Madrid’s league clash with Rayo Vallecano, when Brahim Diaz and Ilias Akhomach were caught on camera exchanging heated words before shoving one another.
The confrontation escalated quickly and required the intervention of teammates Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde to prevent a full-blown fight.
What puzzled observers was the absence of a clear in-game trigger. There was no reckless tackle or controversial decision to explain the reaction, fuelling speculation that the argument was rooted in unresolved personal tensions.
The episode inevitably revived memories of Diaz’s missed Panenka penalty in the AFCON final against Senegal, a moment that symbolised Morocco’s heartbreak and may still weigh heavily on the squad’s collective psyche.
A reckless duel between compatriots
In the Netherlands, another troubling moment unfolded during PSV Eindhoven’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Feyenoord.
While Ismael Saibari impressed by finding the net for PSV and Oussama Targhalline delivered a respectable performance despite defeat, it was a fierce challenge by Tirgalline on Saibari that dominated post-match discussion.
The tackle, widely shared on social media, alarmed Moroccan fans who questioned how two national team teammates could engage in such a dangerous duel. It was a flashpoint that reinforced fears of simmering frustration spilling over into club football.
Hakimi’s dismissal deepens concerns
Perhaps the most symbolic incident involved Achraf Hakimi. Making his return to Paris Saint-Germain’s starting line-up against Strasbourg, the Atlas Lions captain endured a difficult evening that ended with a straight red card following a VAR review for a forceful challenge.
Hakimi’s dismissal carried added weight given his leadership role within the national team. For many supporters, it felt like further evidence that Morocco’s senior figures are still struggling to process the AFCON setback.
Lingering fallout from a painful final
These episodes are difficult to separate from reports of a tense atmosphere in the dressing room after the AFCON final, where disagreements and mutual blame allegedly surfaced. That frustration now appears to have followed players back to their clubs, played out under the scrutiny of Europe’s biggest leagues.
With silence continuing from the Moroccan Football Federation, the priority appears clear. Restoring emotional balance and mental resilience is now as urgent as tactical or technical refinement, if Morocco’s golden generation is to regain its composure and credibility on the continental stage.
