Golden Generation: How Morocco’s Mohammed VI Academy powered a historic U20 World Cup triumph

It was a golden night in Santiago, Chile — one that will echo through the annals of African football.

Morocco, the rising powerhouse of the continent, were crowned FIFA U20 World Champions after a commanding 2–0 victory over Argentina at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium.

This triumph is far more than a sporting milestone; it is the crowning moment of a national footballing vision meticulously cultivated under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI — a vision embodied by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, the cradle of Morocco’s new generation of champions.

The Mohammed VI Academy: Where Morocco’s Dream Took Root

Founded in 2009 as part of the King’s long-term blueprint to transform Morocco into a global football force, the Mohammed VI Academy has become synonymous with excellence.

Its philosophy blends modern European methodologies with Moroccan identity — discipline, tactical intelligence, and technical mastery.

A majority of the U20 World Cup-winning squad honed their craft within its walls, proof of a system built on patience, structure, and national pride.

“This title is not the product of chance,” said head coach Mohamed Ouahbi after the final whistle. “It’s the result of a well-defined strategy and belief in our local talent — Morocco’s future is built here.”

Zabiri: The Face of a New Era

The night belonged to Yassir Zabiri, the Academy’s latest prodigy and now the name on every scout’s lips.

With a dazzling double — a curling free-kick in the 15th minute and a volleyed strike in the 28th — Zabiri stunned Argentina and led Morocco to glory.

His five-goal tournament earned him the Golden Boot, a fitting reward for a player who embodies Morocco’s new footballing identity: confident, expressive, and unafraid of the big stage.

A Vision Fulfilled

Morocco’s U20 world title is the latest chapter in a decade of progress that has redefined African football.

From the senior team’s 2022 World Cup semifinal, to the U23 AFCON triumph, and the historic runs by the U17 and women’s teams, every success bears the imprint of the same philosophy — strategic investment in infrastructure, education, and opportunity.

At the heart of it all stands the Mohammed VI Academy, both symbol and engine of Morocco’s football revolution.

From Salé to Santiago: The Rise of a Football Nation

This victory is more than a trophy — it’s a validation of belief, structure, and vision.

From the training fields of Salé to the global spotlight of Santiago, Morocco’s ascent is reshaping perceptions of African football.

The Mohammed VI Academy has not only produced champions; it has redefined what’s possible when ambition meets long-term planning.

Morocco’s golden generation has arrived — and the world is watching.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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