Under the personal directive of King Mohammed VI, Prince Moulay Rachid received Morocco’s national football team at the Royal Guests Palace in Rabat on Monday.
The reception came in recognition of the squad’s remarkable run to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly fell to Senegal.
A moment of pride for Moroccan football
The prince was welcomed by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, national team coach Walid Regragui, and the players, before a commemorative photograph was taken.
The ceremony reflected the King’s long-standing commitment to youth development through sport and his special attention to football, which remains a central pillar of national pride and international representation.
King Mohammed VI praises the Atlas Lions
Following the final, King Mohammed VI sent a personal congratulatory message to the team, highlighting their perseverance and teamwork during the tournament.
The message noted that the Atlas Lions “demonstrated that perseverance, seriousness, and team spirit are the path to achieving excellence” and set a global example of what Moroccan and African youth can accomplish when they believe in their abilities.
Football as a tool for national development
The King further emphasized that the team’s heroic performance underscored the importance of Morocco’s strategic investment in human capital and the modernization of sports infrastructure.
He highlighted that these initiatives not only enhanced the players’ performance but also demonstrated the Kingdom’s readiness to host major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Inspiring the next generation
The reception and royal praise serve as a motivational milestone for Moroccan youth, reinforcing the idea that dedication, discipline, and teamwork can translate into continental and global recognition.
While the Atlas Lions fell short of the title, their AFCON 2025 campaign has already left a lasting legacy, inspiring both current and future generations of players to aim high and represent Morocco with pride.
