Ouahbi stands by Morocco forward Rahimi after family bereavement

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has offered personal support to Soufiane Rahimi and his family following the death of the forward’s father, Haj Mohamed Rahimi, better known as “Youari”.

Rahimi is mourning the loss of his father after the death was announced by Raja Casablanca on Thursday. The 30-year-old Morocco international, who has 33 caps and scored eight goals, was part of the Atlas Lions squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Raja Casablanca confirmed the news in a statement published on the club’s social media channels, paying tribute to a well-known figure in the club’s history.

Youari worked for several decades as the equipment manager of the Green Eagles. In that role, he was a familiar presence to generations of players, coaches and club officials, while witnessing a number of Raja Casablanca’s domestic and continental successes from inside the organisation.

He was also widely respected for his detailed knowledge of the club’s history and his collection of stories from behind the scenes. Several Moroccan sources reported that Rahimi’s father had been bedridden for several months before his death.

Footage shared on X showed Ouahbi preparing to offer his condolences to the Rahimi family. The Morocco manager was accompanied by his assistant Joao Sacramento.

The gesture was warmly received by supporters of the Atlas Lions, who praised the national team coach for showing solidarity with one of his players during a difficult period.

Rahimi has made a strong start to the current season with Al-Ain. He has played three matches, starting all three, and has contributed two goals and one assist.

His father’s long association with Raja Casablanca made Youari a recognised figure around the club, where his work brought him into contact with numerous teams and generations of personnel. The club’s announcement brought renewed attention to his role and standing within the organisation.

For Rahimi, the bereavement comes as he continues his international and club career following Morocco’s historic run to the last eight at the 2026 World Cup. He remains an important attacking option for the national side, having established himself as part of the group that represented the Atlas Lions at the tournament.

Ouahbi’s decision to prepare to visit the player’s family reflects the close relationship between the Morocco set-up and Rahimi at a personal moment of mourning.