Morocco Under Pressure Ahead of AFCON 2025: Media, Money, and Expectations
Morocco is stepping into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations not just as hosts, but also as the top contender in the eyes of the media—both local and across the Arab world. Whether it’s TV studios or social media, commentators are building a narrative: Morocco must win. They point to the numbers, the facts, the rankings, and the transfer market value as if the trophy is already in our cabinet. But football doesn’t work like that.
The Weight of Numbers
According to Transfermarkt, Morocco is currently the most valuable squad in African football history. The team’s value sits at 412 billion centimes (or 4.12 billion MAD), with stars like Achraf Hakimi (66 billion) and Noussair Mazraoui (34 billion) contributing to a defense that alone is worth over 130 billion. Even without factoring in rising talents like Shamsdine Talbi or Omar Hilali, Morocco stands atop the continent.
| Player | Market Value (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Achraf Hakimi | 66 Billion |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 34 Billion |
| Yassine Bounou | 30+ Billion |
| Emerging Talents | Undisclosed |
Coaching Salary Race
In Africa’s top five highest-paid national coaches, Walid Regragui stands close, earning around 70 million centimes/month. By contrast, Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic leads with 135 million/month. Still, Regragui’s tactical approach and emotional connection with the players keep Morocco competitive at the highest level.
The Danger of Overconfidence
Despite all these impressive stats, Morocco’s fanbase and media must remain cautious. History shows that the most expensive team doesn’t always win. Just like Argentina in 1986, carried by a single player—Maradona—who defied logic and beat richer squads, victory depends on heart, focus, and performance on the pitch.
Can Morocco Deliver?
This is the first time Morocco enters AFCON as the absolute favorite. The squad is deep, experienced, and playing on home soil. But pressure is heavy, and wearing the label of “top contender” may become a mental burden. Can Regragui transform this pressure into motivation? That’s the challenge ahead.
Conclusion
Morocco has the talent, the stats, the fans, and the home advantage. But in football, games are won on the pitch—not in spreadsheets. Let’s support our team, not pressure them. Because in the end, as the saying goes: "The proof is in the pitch."
