The 3 Most Popular Sports in Morocco

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Before we delve into each of these sports, let’s answer a few of our readers’ questions about sports in Morocco.

1. What is the national sport in Morocco?

The national sport of Morocco is football (soccer). It is the most popular and widely followed sport in the country, with numerous clubs and a strong national team known as the Atlas Lions.

2. What are some popular sports in Morocco besides football?

In addition to football, other popular sports in Morocco include athletics (track and field), basketball, handball, and tennis. Traditional sports such as horse riding and camel racing also hold cultural significance and are enjoyed by many.

3. How successful is Morocco in international sports competitions?

Morocco has had significant success in various international sports competitions. The Moroccan football team has qualified for several FIFA World Cups and performed well in the Africa Cup of Nations. In athletics, Moroccan runners, particularly in middle-distance and long-distance events, have won numerous medals in the Olympics and World Championships. The country also participates in other global sporting events, achieving notable successes across different disciplines.

3 Popular Morocco Sports

Football In Morocco

Like many countries, Morocco’s most popular sport is football. In fact, football is the national sport of Morocco! This sport is so important to the country that it has now made five bids to host the FIFA World Cup. So far those bids have been unsuccessful, but they are trying again for 2030. But if you’re not planning your holidays that far ahead, what football can you see in Morocco today? Botola Pro is the professional football league for Morocco, home to 16 teams competing for the title. This league is the most-watched in Africa, broadcasting to an audience of around two billion people across 153 territories. Two of the top teams in Botola Pro to look out for are the current champions and runners-up, Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca respectively.

For lower league action look for matches in the second league Botola 2, where 16 teams compete and the top two in the table go on to be promoted to Botola. Here your top teams to look for are Mouloudia Oujda and Raja Beni Mellal. However, if you want even lower league, then head to the Amateur National Championship. Football is played just about everywhere in Morocco so you will likely see a game wherever you are!

Moroccan Sports Vocabulary: Football

Player — لاعب — Laaib

Attacker — هاجم — Haajim

Defender — مدافع — Mudaafi

Goalkeeper — حارس المرمى — Haaris ul marmaa

Referee — حَكِم — Hakim

Ball — كرة — Kura

Team — فريق كرة القدم — Fareequ kurratil qadm

Game — مباراة — Mubaaraah

Goal — هدف — Hadaf

Win — فوز — Fawz

Lose — خسارة — Khassarah

ُTie — تعادل — Taaeadul

Offside — تسلل T— assallul

ٌFree kick — ركلة حرة, ضربة حرة — Raklatun hurrah / Darabatun hurrah

Penalty shot — ضربة الجزاء — Darbat ul jazaa

Corner kick — ركلة ركنية, ضربة ركنية — Raklatun rukniyah / Darbatun rukniyah

Half time — شونصف الوقت — — nsf alwaqt

ٌRed/Yellow card — بطاقة حمراء / بطاقة صفراء — Bitaaqatun hamraa / Bittaaqatun safraa

Equestrian sports in Morocco

Equestrian sports are big crowd drawers in Morocco, split between the principles of dressage, jumping, and fantasia. Fantasia, also known as Tbourida, is a traditional horsemanship exhibition that you are most likely to see during cultural festivals and if you are lucky enough to attend a Maghrebi wedding.

One particular draw for horse lovers is the annual Salon Du Cheval, a six-day international horse festival that celebrates all things equestrian through shows and competitions. Plan your trip to Morocco in October if you want to be a part of this spectacle! The Royal Moroccan Equestrian Federation governs equestrian sport in Morocco, so if you want to know which equestrian events to attend and when start here.

Moroccan Sports Vocabulary: Equestrian Sport

Amateur — الهاوي — alhawi

Amble — مشى متمهلا — mashaa mutamahil

Arena — حلبة — halba

Breed — تربية — tarbia

Bridle — لجام — lijam

Combined driving — الجمع بين القيادة — aljame bayn alqiada

Equestrian — الفروسية — alfurusia

Gait — مشية — mashia

Horse racing — سباق الخيل — sibaq alkhayl

Jockey — سائس — sayis

Paddock — حقل صغير بجانب إصطبل — haql saghir bijanib ‘istbl

Purebred — أصيل — asil

Saddle — سرج — saraj

Stud — عشيق — eshiq

Athletics in Morocco

Morocco has a rich history in athletics, excelling particularly in middle-distance and long-distance running. The country has produced numerous world-class athletes who have competed and won medals in global events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Athletics events in Morocco are held in various stadiums and arenas, providing ample opportunities for both competitors and spectators to enjoy the sport. If you are passionate about track and field events, Morocco is an exciting destination to witness top-tier athletic performances.

Moroccan Sports Vocabulary: Athletics

Running — الجري — aljari

Jumping — القفز — alqafz

Throwing — الرمي — alrami

Sprint — سباق السرعة — sibaq alsurea

Marathon — سباق الماراثون — sibaq almarathon

Hurdles — سباق الحواجز — sibaq alhawajiz

Relay — سباق التتابع — sibaq altatabue

High Jump — الوثب العالي — alwathb aleali

Long Jump — الوثب الطويل — alwathb altawil

Pole Vault — القفز بالزانة — alqafz bialzana

Discus Throw — رمي القرص — rami alqurs

Shot Put — دفع الجلة — dafe aljala

Javelin Throw — رمي الرمح — rami alrumh

Triple Jump — الوثب الثلاثي — alwathb althulathi

These are just some of the sports you will find in Morocco! To make the most of your trip, why not practice a little Arabic before you go? Understanding the language can enhance your experience, whether you’re cheering at an athletics event or exploring the local culture.

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You can start by checking your Arabic proficiency with our free online Arabic level test. If you find that you need a bit more practice, we’re here to help. Our courses are tailored to meet your needs, whether you prefer one-to-one Arabic lessons or small group sessions. Our experienced tutors offer in-person and online Arabic classes, making it easy for you to learn at your convenience.

So, get ready for your trip to Morocco by brushing up on your Arabic. Contact us today to find out more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your language learning goals.