Oussama Hemham, a 22-year-old Moroccan footballer, has died after being shot by the Algerian navy during an attempted irregular migration to Europe, multiple news sources have confirmed.
Hemham, who previously played for Amal Al Aaroui, was reportedly on board a speedboat that left from the coastal town of Saidia in northeastern Morocco.
The vessel is said to have strayed into Algerian territorial waters, where it was intercepted by Algerian coastguards.
According to reports, the navy opened fire after the boat allegedly failed to heed orders to stop.
The fatal incident occurred near the maritime border between Morocco and Algeria.
Hemham, struck by gunfire, was gravely injured. Despite his wounds, the boat reportedly continued its journey towards the Spanish coast, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
News of the tragedy was shared widely on social media, including by Hespress Français, which posted a message reading: “Death of young Ossama Hemham, former player of the Amal Riyadi Aroui club, shot dead by the Algerian navy during an attempted irregular migration.”
The tweet was accompanied by an image from the shoreline, showing the gravity of the incident that has sparked shock and sorrow across Morocco’s footballing community and beyond.
According to those close to the family, a relative based in Germany traveled to Spain to formally identify Hemham’s body and make arrangements for his remains to be repatriated to Morocco for burial.
The incident has reignited tensions over the perilous journeys undertaken by young North Africans seeking better opportunities in Europe, often at great personal risk.
Hemham’s death has also brought renewed attention to the lethal consequences of maritime border enforcement in the western Mediterranean.
Amal Al Aaroui, the late player’s former club, has yet to release an official statement, but tributes have poured in from fans and teammates alike.
Many have expressed grief and disbelief that a promising athlete’s life could end in such tragic circumstances.
As investigations into the shooting continue, the young footballer’s story stands as a stark reminder of the human toll behind migration statistics — a life cut short amid desperate attempts for a future far from home.
