Mohammed VI Academy: The Enduring Powerhouse Behind Morocco’s Football Renaissance
The strong presence of players trained at the Mohammed VI Football Academy within Morocco’s U20 national team—finalists at the last Africa Cup of Nations and semifinalists at the U20 World Cup in Chile—once again highlights the Academy’s crucial role in shaping the future of Moroccan football.
Among the young talents called up by coach Mohamed Ouahbi for the World Cup in Chile, four players who came through the Mohammed VI Academy stand out for their maturity and decisive contributions: Fouad Zahouani, Houssam Essadak, Yassir Zabiri, and Yassine Khalifi. Their performances embody the success of a training model that has become a benchmark not only in Africa but across the world.
Their integration into the U20 squad reflects the coherence and vision of Morocco’s national football project. The Academy has provided them with the technical, physical, and mental foundations needed to compete at the highest international level. In Chile, the young Atlas Cubs have impressed against footballing powerhouses such as Spain, Brazil, South Korea, and the United States—nations renowned for their elite youth systems.
With their stellar campaign, the Moroccan U20s have matched the historic 2005 generation that reached the semifinals of the World Cup in the Netherlands. Forward Yassir Zabiri, in particular, has been outstanding, scoring three goals so far and establishing himself as one of the tournament’s brightest revelations. The young Lions will have another chance to shine when they face France in the semifinals.
Founded in 2009 under the High Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Mohammed VI Football Academy was created to identify, train, and support Morocco’s most promising talents toward professional excellence. Combining academic education with rigorous athletic and personal development, the Academy has grown into a true center of excellence, consistently feeding Morocco’s national teams.
Equipped with world-class infrastructure, a highly qualified technical staff, and a philosophy rooted in discipline and tactical intelligence, the Academy has produced generations of players who now stand out both domestically and internationally.
Beyond technical training, the Mohammed VI Academy embodies a sustainable development philosophy for Moroccan football, ensuring a continuous pipeline of homegrown talent. By placing education, discipline, and international exposure at the heart of its mission, it prepares young players not only to succeed on the pitch but also to represent Morocco with pride on the global stage.
In Chile, the outstanding performances of Zahouani, Essadak, Zabiri, and Khalifi reflect the maturity of a generation shaped by this visionary institution. Their success reaffirms the Mohammed VI Academy’s status as the cornerstone of Morocco’s football future, and a shining example of how long-term vision can turn potential into excellence.
Editorial team/le7tv
