In a move reflecting the deep royal appreciation for sporting achievements, the Moroccan coach of the Jordanian national football team, Jamal Sellami , announced that he had received the wonderful news of being granted Jordanian citizenship by royal decree from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein. This prestigious honor comes as a culmination of Sellami's distinguished career with the "Nashama" (Jordanian national team), which has elevated Jordanian football to the ranks of regional and continental powers.
Details of the royal honor
The announcement of this honor came after the final match of the 2025 Arab Cup , hosted in Qatar's World Cup stadiums. The Lusail Stadium witnessed a dramatic encounter between the Jordanian and Moroccan national teams, which ended with a 3-2 victory for Morocco. At the post-match press conference, Salami revealed with evident emotion: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince informed me that His Majesty the King has decided to grant me Jordanian citizenship. This is a great honor for me, a badge of pride I wear with utmost dedication." He emphasized that this recognition only strengthens his resolve to achieve even more.
A football project that transcends immediate results
This recognition was not a coincidence, but rather the result of diligent work and strategic planning. Salami also discussed his future with the Jordanian national team, revealing a conversation he had with the President of the Jordan Football Association, Prince Ali bin Hussein. Salami explained: “After our success in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Prince Ali asked me to continue leading the national team. My response was clear: I didn't come to Jordan to achieve a fleeting success, but rather I have a comprehensive sports project to develop Jordanian football, and when this project is complete, I will ask to leave.”.
Between professional duty and national sentiment
Jamal Sellami experienced an extraordinary night in the Arab Cup final, finding himself in an unenviable position facing his home country, Morocco, in the final of a major tournament. Despite the conflicting emotions, Sellami delivered a masterclass in professionalism, managing the match with utmost seriousness in pursuit of the title for Jordan. This earned him the respect of Arab fans and sports analysts alike, who praised his high level of professionalism and sportsmanship.
The significance of the honor and its impact on Jordanian football
Granting citizenship to the national team coach carries profound implications that extend beyond the personal; it is a powerful message of support from the highest levels of government for the sports and youth sector, and an affirmation of the importance of technical stability, which is a cornerstone of success in modern football. This stability is expected to positively impact the Jordanian national team's preparations for upcoming competitions, most notably a respectable showing at the next World Cup, where the "Nashama" (Jordanian national team) have become a force to be reckoned with in Asian and Arab football.
