Legendary football manager and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has heaped praise on the Moroccan Football Federation, describing the North African nation as a shining example of football development on the continent.

“Morocco is a bit like the jewel of Africa at the moment, in terms of the evolution of football,” Wenger remarked. “They work very, very well. They put in human and material resources to develop. And above all, they don’t neglect what, for me, is the most important thing for a country: education and the development of youth.”

Wenger’s comments come in the wake of Morocco’s continued rise on the international stage, marked by their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the steady progress of their youth teams and domestic league. The federation’s investment in infrastructure, such as the state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Football Complex, has also drawn global attention.

Beyond success on the pitch, Morocco has earned admiration for its long-term vision, focusing on coaching, grassroots development, and education — a model many believe could inspire a new era for African football.

With the country now set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, Morocco’s football evolution seems poised to reach even greater heights — an evolution that, in Wenger’s eyes, makes them a beacon for the entire continent.