Rabat: Opened in 2009 under the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Mohammed VI Academy has trained the majority of players in this “golden generation,” including star striker Yassir Zabiri, who scored a decisive brace in the final against Argentina. With a total of five goals, Zabiri finished as the tournament’s top scorer.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this victory is a symbol of the success of the Moroccan training model. The triumph reflects the long-term work carried out over several years by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which has invested heavily in training, infrastructure, and the development of young talent.

The agency adds that this historic achievement also demonstrates the rising level of African football on the international stage, now able to compete with the world’s top nations. This world title confirms the growing strength of Moroccan football, already highlighted by the historic 2022 World Cup semi-final, the U23 Africa Cup of Nations victory, as well
as the strong performances of the women’s and U17 teams.

According to many observers, the Atlas Lions’ U-20 victory illustrates the success of a structured project and a national policy focused on youth and performance. Morocco seems to be building on its strong showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the senior team finished fourth, followed by the men’s Olympic team winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.

The agency concludes that Moroccans are likely to have many more occasions to celebrate their footballers, as the senior team, competing at home in the Africa Cup of Nations, will be among the tournament favorites.