Free-ranging conversation with Badou Zaki, a Moroccan football legend
Date de publication : Décembre 2025 An emblematic goalkeeper of the 1980s, Badou Zaki proudly…
Date de publication : Décembre 2025
An emblematic goalkeeper of the 1980s, Badou Zaki proudly wore the Moroccan national jersey at the 1986 World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments before transitioning to coachingin 1993. Now the head coach of the Niger national team, he still displays the same passion. We met in Casablanca, a few days before the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, to rekindle old memories, but most importantly, to discuss the subject of African football with his legendary frankness.
That World Cup was unique in many respects. The national team achieved a historic feat there. Morocco was the first African and Arab country to advance past the first round and reach the Round of 16, despite being in a “group of death” (Portugal, Poland, England). While no one even dared to hope for a draw, we finished first. A performance that touched the hearts of all Moroccans and revealed to the world that our country had very highlevel goalkeepers.
On a personal level, the emotion was just as intense, both in my professional and family life. The 1986 World Cup brought me true international recognition: clubs scouted me, offers poured in, and a contract in Spain awaited me. Playing in the La Liga was a dream. And then there’s that immense moment, during the match against Germany: my daughter was born, and the late King Hassan II had the extreme kindness to name her after Princess Lalla Hasnaa. For all these reasons, that World Cup, which was also the first I participated in, has remained etched in my memory
After a coffee and a short moment of isolation, I always called my mother. I needed to hear her voice, her prayer, and her blessing. Then, I could step onto the field.
Two words immediately come to mind: pride and serenity. Morocco knows perfectly well how to organize. It has already hosted several major competitions, including the Club World Cup three times, welcoming institutions like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Supporters from all over the world left impressed by the organization, creativity, and shared values. For this major continental football competition in 2025, we are ready: the officials master their areas of responsibility, the Federation is experienced, and the infrastructure is top level. We are not just aiming high, but for excellence. It’s also a dress rehearsal before the 2030 World Cup. Morocco and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation are preparing to offer the African public, and everyone watching worldwide, an exceptional tournament.
I speak as a man of the field: today we have everything—a very high-level squad, players the whole world envies, and a coach, Walid Regragui, who led us far in 2022. But the unpredictable remains: refereeing, mistakes, the ball hitting the post, an opponent scoring on their only chance… Sometimes “the cup chooses you”. For me, this team can win at home if certain factors go our way. Let’s be ready, limit fouls, and convert 30–40% of our chances. The trophy is within our reach.
Honestly, there is still work to be done. Very good national teams (Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast…) often rely on players who left very early to train in Europe; our championships, clubs, and training centers still need to evolve and improve.
For its part, driven by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, Morocco is building a new model. For about fifteen years, the Mohammed VI Academy and other structures have been laying solid foundations. Clubs are getting structured, training programs are being implemented, and we are already reaping the rewards. Almost all categories – A, U20, U17, including women’s football – are now qualifying for world cups level and performing well.
Date de publication : Décembre 2025 An emblematic goalkeeper of the 1980s, Badou Zaki proudly…
Décembre 2025 This December, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 fever gripped every city in…
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