Several figures in Moroccan football have expressed support for the demands of young people protesting across the kingdom, including international players based abroad and athletes from the national league.
“The stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” This has been the rallying cry of Morocco’s Gen Z since the end of September. The question is chanted as a slogan to highlight the contrast between the state of the kingdom’s public services and the massive investments in infrastructure for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, and the 2030 World Cup, which Rabat will co-host with Spain and Portugal. But while the stadiums are being singled out, they have not remained on the sidelines of the mobilization demanding reforms in the health and education sectors.
Several figures in Moroccan football have shown their support for the movement, including international stars. The first to speak out was defender Nayef Aguerd. On his Instagram account on September 30, the Marseille player stated he was “wholeheartedly with what is happening.” On October 1, also on the same social media platform, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou posted a graphic – “For our rights, for dignity, for health and education” – which has been widely shared since the movement began.