Moroccan professionals have long been a cornerstone of Saudi clubs, or what is now known as the "Roshan League," leaving a clear mark on various local and regional competitions. The presence of "Roshan League Moroccans" in the Arab Cup final (Arab Club Championship) brings to mind the dominance of Moroccan and Saudi football on the Arab scene, and the remarkable synergy between Moroccan skill and the tremendous development of the Saudi Professional League.
General context: The successful football partnership between Morocco and Saudi Arabia
The relationship between Moroccan players and Saudi clubs is a long-standing and historic one, spanning decades. From the days of Ahmed Bahja and Camacho (who played alongside other Moroccans) to Hicham Bouchrouane, and including the current golden generation led by Abderrazak Hamdallah, Karim El Ahmadi, Munir Mohamedi, and Fayçal Fajr, Moroccan players have proven their remarkable ability to adapt to the demanding atmosphere of the Saudi league. This significant presence has naturally led to Moroccan professionals playing a crucial role in their clubs' success in reaching the finals of major tournaments, most notably the Arab Club Champions Cup (under its various names: Mohammed VI Cup, King Salman Cup).
Mohammed VI Cup Final: The most prominent example of the brilliance of Moroccan players in Rochn
When discussing Moroccan players in the Arab Cup finals, the 2021 edition, named the "Mohammed VI Champions Cup," stands out. That historic match pitted Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad against Morocco's Raja Casablanca. At the time, Al-Ittihad relied heavily on their veteran Moroccan captain, Karim El Ahmadi, who was the linchpin of their midfield, alongside their all-time leading scorer, Abderrazak Hamdallah (who later joined Al-Ittihad and became a club icon). The thrilling 4-4 draw, ultimately decided by penalties in favor of Raja, perfectly illustrated the technical value that Moroccan players bring to the game, whether playing professionally in Saudi Arabia or in the Moroccan league.
The regional importance and impact of the event
The arrival of Saudi clubs packed with Moroccan stars in the Arab Cup finals carries profound implications that go beyond simply winning a title:
- Raising the market value of the tournament: The presence of heavyweight stars active in the Roshan League (ranked among the strongest in the Arab and Asian worlds) gives the Arab tournament unprecedented media and public momentum.
- The development of the technical level: The continuous interaction between the different football schools (the Maghreb technical school and the Saudi school, which is tactically and physically advanced) contributes to raising the level of the final matches, making them comparable to the finals of continental championships.
- Public appeal: Moroccan players enjoy overwhelming popularity, which guarantees a large public turnout and record television viewership when they are part of the final, especially if they represent major popular clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Nasr, or Al-Ittihad.
The future of Moroccan participation in Arab championships
Despite the tremendous boom in Saudi Arabia's sports sector under Vision 2030 and the influx of international stars, Moroccan players continue to maintain their place in the starting lineups of Saudi Pro League clubs. This persistence confirms that Moroccan players in the Saudi Pro League will remain a force to be reckoned with in upcoming Arab championships, playing a pivotal role in leading their clubs to victory and further solidifying the Saudi league's position as a premier destination for distinguished Arab professionals.
