Malaga honour Moroccan icon Abdallah Ben Barek by renaming training ground pitch after him

Spanish club Málaga CF has paid tribute to Moroccan football legend Abdallah Ben Barek by renaming the main pitch at the club’s training centre in his honour.

During an emotional ceremony attended by former players, club officials, and academy members, Campo 1 was officially renamed “Estadio Abdallah Ben Barek” in recognition of the former midfielder’s lasting contribution to the club’s history.

Ben Barek enjoyed a remarkable spell with CD Málaga between 1956 and 1968, making 234 official appearances for the side before continuing his association with the club in several important roles, including coach, academy coordinator, and consultant.

According to reports, the tribute was planned in complete secrecy, leaving the 87-year-old visibly emotional when he arrived at the venue with his family and discovered the celebration prepared in his honour.

Several former Málaga stars were present for the ceremony, including Esteban Vigo, Manolo Hierro, and Jesús Gámez, alongside club executives and representatives from the academy.

The event also featured video tributes from current and former football personalities connected to the club who were unable to attend in person, including Brahim Díaz and Jorge Valdano.

One of the standout moments of the ceremony came when children from the club’s academy formed a guard of honour for Ben Barek as he stepped onto the pitch that now bears his name. Academy graduates from the first team also took part in the tribute, highlighting the strong connection between Málaga’s history and future through a figure who played a major role in the club’s youth development.

Ben Barek remains one of the most admired personalities in Málaga’s football history, and the latest honour further cements his legacy at the Spanish club.