Morocco stars surprise Youssef En-Nesyri with heartwarming birthday tribute ahead of World Cup

Several Moroccan national team players have shown their appreciation for Youssef En-Nesyri with a touching birthday gesture, highlighting the strong bond that continues to exist within the Atlas Lions camp despite the striker’s absence from the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The celebration comes as Morocco intensifies preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where the Atlas Lions will be aiming to build on their historic achievements from the previous edition.

Teammates Unite to Celebrate En-Nesyri

In a display of friendship and unity, a number of Morocco’s international stars came together to send special birthday wishes to the Al Ittihad forward.

The gesture quickly attracted attention among supporters, with fans praising the close relationships that remain among members of the national team setup.

Among the first players to extend his congratulations was goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who shared a heartfelt message for his former Sevilla teammate.

🎥 بونو عبر #الإنستغرام:

يوسف النصيري سنة سعيدة أخويا pic.twitter.com/QT1GXuevNv

— أخبار الهلال (@hilalstuff) June 1, 2026

Familiar Faces Join the Tribute

The birthday video featured several well-known figures from Moroccan football, including Reda Tagnaouti, Soufiane Rahimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Ayoub El Kaabi.

Their messages reflected the respect and affection En-Nesyri continues to enjoy among his international colleagues, even though he was not selected for Morocco’s World Cup squad.

The tribute offered supporters a glimpse into the positive atmosphere surrounding the national team as preparations continue in Rabat.

En-Nesyri Remains Respected Within the Camp

Although the striker will not be part of Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, he continues to hold a special place within the group.

The former Sevilla forward remains highly regarded by both players and staff, with his contribution to the national team over the years earning him lasting respect among his teammates.

Under the guidance of head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions camp has maintained a strong sense of togetherness as the team prepares for the biggest tournament in world football.

Morocco Fine-Tune Preparations

Morocco is currently preparing for a friendly match against Madagascar at Moulay Hassan Stadium, a fixture that forms part of the team’s final preparations before heading to the World Cup.

The tournament will mark Morocco’s seventh appearance at a FIFA World Cup and its third consecutive participation, a milestone never previously achieved by the Atlas Lions.

The achievement reflects the remarkable growth of Moroccan football over the past decade and the nation’s emergence as one of Africa’s leading football powers.

Tough Group Stage Challenge Awaits

The Atlas Lions will begin their World Cup campaign with a blockbuster clash against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York.

Morocco will then face Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston before concluding the group stage against Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

With expectations high following the country’s historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco will be hoping to create more unforgettable memories on football’s biggest stage.

For now, however, the focus remains on preparation, unity and the strong team spirit that was once again on display through the players’ special tribute to En-Nesyri.