In an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride, Morocco celebrated its football heroes today. The national U20 team, recently crowned world champions, was received at theRoyal Palace of Rabat during a ceremony presided over byHis Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, acting on behalf ofHis Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The young “Atlas CubsFouzi Lekjaa, the technical staff, and the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation were honored for their historic achievement: to deliver Morocco and the Arab world its first world title in this category.
After the official reception, apopular parade took place in the streets of Rabat, fromBab Essoufara toAvenue Mohammed V, where thousands of supporters cheered for their champions. Flags, patriotic songs, and collective emotions marked an evening characterized by a rare national unity.
This royal reception honors not only the sports performance but also thevalues of discipline, courage, and perseverance embodied by this generation. It also reflects the royal vision for structured, training-oriented, and ambitious Moroccan sports, as exemplified by theMohammed VI Football Academy and national training programs.
For many observers, this tribute at the Royal Palace cements Morocco's rise on the international sports scene, a few years after the memorable run of the Lions of the Atlas in the 2022 World Cup.
“It’s a dream come true. Being received by the Crown Prince is a huge honor and a motivation to continue representing Morocco proudly,” said the U20 team captain to the press.