Zaytouna FC, a rising football club from Marrakech, is about to step onto a global stage that’s changing the way the game is played. The Moroccan team has received a personal invitation from Gerard Piqué himself to join the King’s League—a fast-growing, unconventional competition that’s redefining football with its unique format and worldwide reach. This rare wildcard entry marks a major milestone for the club and for Moroccan football at large.
Founded in 2019, Zaytouna FC was built on a clear mission: to identify, train, and elevate young talent from the streets of Marrakech. Since its inception, the club has been led by musician and entrepreneur Maître Gims alongside Youssef Aarab, who also serves as its founder and president. Together, they’ve championed a model rooted in discipline, teamwork, and high-performance standards, carving out a distinct identity for the club in the local and national landscape.
Their track record speaks volumes. Zaytouna FC claimed the national championship title in 2022 and went on to represent Morocco at the World Cup in Germany the following year. Since then, they’ve strung together an extraordinary streak—345 matches without a single loss. Their recent triumph at the Kickoff Tournament only solidified their reputation as one of the most formidable and well-organized teams in the country.
Much of this success traces back to the relentless efforts of Youssef Aarab, whose vision extends far beyond winning games. He’s invested heavily in building the infrastructure and support system these young athletes need to thrive, from high-quality facilities to professional mentorship. His long-term ambition is clear: to turn Zaytouna FC into a launchpad for the next generation of Moroccan football stars.
Now, with their entry into the King’s League, that dream is poised to reach new heights. Launched in 2022 by Piqué and popular streamer Ibai Llanos, the league blends athletic skill with entertainment, delivering 40-minute matches with no possibility of a draw, unlimited substitutions, and unexpected “wild card” twists that keep fans on edge. This hybrid model has quickly gained traction across borders, becoming a spectacle that challenges conventional football.
Zaytouna FC’s inclusion in this groundbreaking league is more than just a sports story—it’s a cultural moment. They won’t just be competing; they’ll be representing Morocco in a tournament that’s reshaping the game for a global audience. As they take the field, they carry with them the hopes of a football nation eager to make its mark on a new kind of international stage.
