AFCON 2025 Showcased Morocco’s Development and African Unity, King Mohammed VI Says

AFCON 2025 Showcased Morocco’s Development and African Unity, King Mohammed VI Says

By Our Reporter 

King Mohammed VI has praised Morocco’s hosting of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), describing the tournament as a landmark achievement for the kingdom and a shared success for the African continent.

In a statement released by the Royal Cabinet on Thursday following the conclusion of the tournament, the monarch said AFCON 2025 would be remembered as a defining moment in Morocco’s development trajectory.

“This edition of the continental competition will stand as a milestone,” the king said, noting that beyond its sporting achievements, the tournament reflected Morocco’s broader progress. He described it as a testament to the country’s long-term development vision and a “unique and efficient Moroccan model” that places citizens at the center of national ambition.

King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to Moroccans from all walks of life who contributed to the event’s success, commending state institutions, volunteers, and citizens for their collective commitment.

He also praised the enthusiasm of Moroccan supporters, describing their backing of the national team as “exemplary.” The king highlighted the team’s rise to eighth place in the FIFA world rankings, attributing the achievement to sustained investment in sports development and modern infrastructure.

The monarch further acknowledged the role of players from the Moroccan diaspora who chose to represent the national team, applauding their decision to do so “with pride and gusto.”

Addressing incidents that occurred in the closing moments of the final match between Morocco and Senegal, King Mohammed VI described the events as regrettable but called for restraint and unity. He emphasized that, once emotions had cooled, the spirit of African fraternity would prevail.

“Even if this major continental football celebration hosted by the kingdom appears to have been sadly marred by unfortunate events, inter-African brotherhood will naturally prevail,” he said.

The king stressed that Morocco’s achievement should be viewed as a collective continental success, dismissing attempts to undermine the tournament’s significance.

“Nothing will alter the closeness fostered over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built hand in hand with countries across the continent,” he said.

Reaffirming Morocco’s African identity, King Mohammed VI stated that the country “is and shall remain a great African nation,” committed to the values of solidarity, mutual respect, and brotherhood. He added that Morocco would continue to work toward “a united and prosperous Africa” through strengthened partnerships and the sharing of expertise.

The tournament, held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, was described by the monarch as a source of national pride. Morocco, he said, was honored to have hosted “a month of popular joy and sporting emotion,” contributing to the global visibility of African football.

King Mohammed VI concluded that AFCON 2025 represented more than a sporting triumph, serving as a showcase of Morocco’s broader economic, social, and infrastructural development.