Morocco’s U20 national football team, fresh off their historic World Cup triumph in Chile, has publicly expressed their heartfelt gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his unwavering support of Moroccan youth. Following a royal ceremony held in their honor and presided over by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan on Wednesday, the young champions spoke of their pride, the journey that led them to glory, and the national unity that powered their success.
Team captain Houssam Essadak described the moment as deeply emotional and profoundly meaningful. For him, lifting the trophy wasn’t just the result of a single tournament—it marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work shared by every part of the national football system. He believes this win isn’t just a one-off achievement, but a clear signal that Morocco is ready to take its place among the world’s footballing elite.
Midfielder Othmane Maamma echoed that sentiment, underlining the spirit of collective effort that carried the team to the top. He spoke with pride about the group’s commitment to representing their country with dignity and focus throughout the competition. For Maamma, the victory is not only a medal around their necks, but a symbol of national pride raised high on the global stage.
Honored as the tournament’s best young player, Maamma also paid tribute to the Moroccan fans, whose passion and unrelenting support helped propel the team to victory. The backing they felt—from both those in the stadiums and across Morocco—was, in his words, a vital source of strength.
Defender Yassine Gessime shared the same enthusiasm, describing the homecoming reception as unforgettable. But he was also quick to look ahead, reminding everyone that while this title marks a historic breakthrough, it should be seen as the beginning of a new era rather than a final destination. For Gessime, the real challenge now is to build on this momentum, raise the bar even higher, and continue driving Moroccan football forward.
