In a surprising development that casts a shadow over the future of Moroccan football, multiple media outlets have revealed that Olympique de Marseille, one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, has entered serious negotiations to sign Walid Regragui, the coach of the Moroccan national team and the architect of their historic qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This news comes at a crucial time, as the Moroccan Football Federation prepares to hold a decisive meeting with Regragui to determine his future with the Atlas Lions.
Background to Regragui's rise: From African champion to World Cup legend
The interest shown by a club the size of Marseille didn't come out of nowhere. Walid Regragui had built his reputation as a top-class tactical coach and an inspirational leader. Before taking over the national team, he led Wydad Casablanca to a historic double, winning both the Moroccan league and the CAF Champions League in 2022. But his star rose internationally after he took charge of the Moroccan national team just months before the 2022 World Cup, defying all expectations and guiding the Atlas Lions to become the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, eliminating powerhouses like Spain and Portugal along the way. This unprecedented achievement made Regragui a national hero and put him on the radar of major European clubs.
The importance of the deal and its potential impact
Regragui's potential move to Marseille is significant on multiple levels. Domestically, his departure would be a major blow to the Moroccan national team, which is preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Fans have high hopes that Regragui will lead the team to its first continental title in decades. His departure will also spark speculation about his successor and their ability to continue the successful project he initiated. Regionally and internationally, this move would be a significant recognition of the competence of African and Arab coaches, potentially opening doors for more qualified individuals to work in major European leagues and breaking down barriers that have existed for many years.
Marseille are looking for a leader for a new project
For its part, Olympique de Marseille is searching for a new coach capable of restoring stability to the team and building an ambitious sporting project. After a turbulent season marked by managerial changes, the French club sees Regragui as the ideal figure to energize the players, unify the team, and manage the pressure from the passionate fans at the Stade Vélodrome. According to the Moroccan newspaper Al-Mountakhab, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, is preparing to hold a crucial meeting with Regragui to discuss his situation and determine his final decision regarding continuing in his position, especially after the disappointment of the recent Africa Cup of Nations, which may have prompted the coach to consider a new challenge.
