Morocco’s Greatest Players of all Time

Paul | December 1, 2023 | Morocco, Sports | No Comments

In the rich tapestry of Moroccan football, a constellation of extraordinary talents has graced the pitch, etching their names into the annals of the sport’s history. These exceptional athletes, heralded as the greatest footballers of all time in Morocco, have not only demonstrated unparalleled skill and prowess but have also become icons, embodying the nation’s passion for the beautiful game. From legendary goalkeepers who defied the odds to prolific strikers who found the back of the net with precision, each player on this esteemed list has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Moroccan football. Let us embark on a journey to explore the careers and achievements of these football luminaries who have brought pride, glory, and inspiration to the nation.

1. Ezzaki Badou (Goalkeeper)

Ezzaki Badou (Badou Zaki): Brief Overview

Ezzaki Badou, commonly known as Badou Zaki, is a renowned Moroccan former footballer and coach, celebrated for his exceptional goalkeeping skills.

Playing Career: Zaki’s career spanned from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. He played for clubs including AS Salé, Wydad Casablanca, and RCD Mallorca. At Mallorca, he won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper in La Liga during the 1988-89 season【86†source】.
International Career: Zaki earned over 100 caps for the Moroccan national team between 1978 and 1992. He was instrumental in Morocco’s performance in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the Round of 16【85†source】【86†source】.
Awards and Honors: Zaki was named African Footballer of the Year in 1986, the first goalkeeper to receive this honor. He was also recognized as the Best Moroccan Player multiple times and the Best Arab Goalkeeper of the 20th Century【85†source】.
Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Zaki transitioned to coaching, leading the Moroccan national team and various clubs in Morocco, Algeria, and Sudan. He guided Morocco to the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations【86†source】.

Badou Zaki remains a legendary figure in African and Moroccan football, respected for his contributions both on and off the field.

2. Medhi Benatia (Defender)

Medhi Benatia is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a center-back. Born on April 17, 1987, in Courcouronnes, France, he has represented both France and Morocco at the international level. Benatia is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and strong defensive skills. He has had a successful career playing for various clubs including Marseille, Udinese, Roma, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Al-Duhail. Benatia has won numerous domestic titles and has been recognized for his performances throughout his career.

3. Abderrahmane Mahjoub (Midfielder)

Abderrahmane Mahjoub is a professional footballer from Morocco who typically plays as a midfielder. As of my last update, I don’t have specific information about him. It’s possible that he may be a rising talent or playing in lower leagues where detailed information might not be readily available. If he’s gained prominence or moved to a higher-profile club since then, I might not have the most current details.

4. Salaheddine Bassir (forward)

Salaheddine Bassir is a Moroccan professional footballer who primarily plays as a forward. He was born on March 15, 1998, in Casablanca, Morocco. Bassir has showcased his talent primarily in the Moroccan domestic league and has also represented Morocco at the youth international level. As of my last update, I don’t have detailed information on his career progression or current club affiliations, but he may have gained prominence or moved to different clubs since then.

5. Abdelmajid Dolmy (Midfielder)

Abdelmajid Dolmy was a legendary Moroccan footballer who played as a midfielder. Born on December 22, 1953, in Casablanca, Morocco, Dolmy is considered one of the greatest Moroccan footballers of all time. He spent the majority of his career playing for Raja Casablanca, one of the most successful clubs in Moroccan football history.

Dolmy was known for his exceptional technique, vision, and leadership on the field. He played a crucial role in Raja Casablanca’s successes during the 1970s and 1980s, helping the club win numerous domestic titles as well as the African Cup of Champions Clubs (now known as the CAF Champions League) in 1989.

In addition to his club achievements, Dolmy represented the Moroccan national team, earning numerous caps and participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was highly respected not only for his skillful play but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.

Abdelmajid Dolmy remains an iconic figure in Moroccan football history, remembered fondly by fans for his contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally.

6. Aziz Bouderbala (Midfielder)

Aziz Bouderbala is a former Moroccan footballer who played as a midfielder. Born on February 21, 1976, in Paris, France, Bouderbala had a successful career playing for various clubs in France, Spain, and Qatar.

Bouderbala is perhaps best known for his time at Girondins de Bordeaux, where he played a significant role in the midfield during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He also had stints at clubs such as AS Nancy, Racing de Santander, and Al-Sadd SC.

At the international level, Bouderbala represented the Moroccan national team, earning caps and participating in tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations.

After retiring from professional football, Bouderbala has been involved in various activities related to the sport, including coaching and punditry. He remains a respected figure in Moroccan football circles.

7. Mohamed Timoumi (Midfielder)

Mohamed Timoumi is a retired Moroccan footballer who was known for his prowess as a midfielder. Born on November 15, 1960, in Casablanca, Morocco, Timoumi enjoyed a successful playing career during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Timoumi is best remembered for his contributions to the Moroccan national team, particularly during the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico. He played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic performance in that tournament, where they reached the Round of 16, marking the country’s most successful World Cup campaign to date.

During his club career, Timoumi notably played for various Moroccan clubs, including Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca, where he achieved significant success, winning domestic league titles and continental competitions.

Timoumi was renowned for his exceptional ball control, vision, and playmaking abilities, which made him a key figure both for his club and the national team. He remains an iconic figure in Moroccan football history, celebrated for his achievements on the pitch and his lasting impact on the sport in the country.