Who dominates the sporting world in Morocco?
From the soccer fields to the boxing rings, who are the champions making an impact?
Discover the most popular athletes from Morocco and witness how they have influenced their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Morocco.
Most popular athletes from Morocco:
- Nawal El Moutawakel
- Hicham El Guerrouj
- Abdeljalil Hadda
- Saïd Aouita
- Badr Hari
- Mbark Boussoufa
- Fatima-Zahra Abou Fares
- Aziz Bouhaddouz
- Soufiane El Bakkali
- Achraf Hakimi
- Khadija Mardi
- Salaheddine Bounasser
Table of Contents
#1 Nawal El Moutawakel
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics (Hurdles)
- 🎂 Born in: 1961
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in 400m Hurdles (1984)
Nawal El Moutawakel made history as the first Moroccan, Arab, and African Muslim woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Her victory in the 1984 Olympics has had a transformative impact on the perception of women in sports, breaking cultural barriers.
As an influential member of the International Olympic Committee, she continues to champion gender equity in sports.
#2 Hicham El Guerrouj
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics (Middle-distance Running)
- 🎂 Born in: 1974
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 Olympic Gold Medals (2004)
Hicham El Guerrouj, known as the “King of the Mile,” is considered one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time. His illustrious career includes multiple world records and four World Championship gold medals.
His philanthropic endeavors and humble character have made him a national icon in Morocco and a respected figure in the world of athletics.
#3 Abdeljalil Hadda
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer (Football)
- 🎂 Born in: 1972
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1998 FIFA World Cup Goal Scorer
Abdeljalil Hadda, known as “The Goal Hunter,” is one of Morocco’s most celebrated soccer players. As a key member of the national team, he scored crucial goals during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, capturing the hearts of Moroccans and soccer fans worldwide.
His impressive career and passion for the sport have left a lasting impact on Moroccan soccer.
#4 Saïd Aouita
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics (Middle and Long-distance Running)
- 🎂 Born in: 1959
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal (1984)
Saïd Aouita is considered one of the most versatile and dominant runners in history. Known for his exceptional abilities over a range of distances, he held multiple world records and won 5 gold medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games.
Aouita’s powerful legacy has inspired numerous Moroccan distance runners to pursue greatness.
#5 Badr Hari
- 🏆 Sport(s): Kickboxing
- 🎂 Born in: 1984
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: K-1 Heavyweight Champion (2007)
Badr Hari, nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” is a celebrated Moroccan-Dutch kickboxer known for his powerful punches and knockout finishes. His exhilarating fights and exciting style have made him a fan favorite around the globe.
His international success has elevated the profile of Moroccan kickboxing and inspired many to take up the sport.
#6 Mbark Boussoufa
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer (Football)
- 🎂 Born in: 1984
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3-time Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year
Mbark Boussoufa is a gifted Moroccan soccer player, renowned for his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. Throughout his career, he’s won multiple awards and championships in Belgium and the Netherlands, becoming one of the most decorated Moroccan footballers internationally.
Boussoufa’s impressive career serves as an inspiration for aspiring Moroccan soccer players.
#7 Fatima-Zahra Abou Fares
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1996
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2018 African Taekwondo Championships Gold Medal
Fatima-Zahra Abou Fares is a rising star in Moroccan Taekwondo, recognized for her exceptional agility and fierce fighting spirit. She made history as the first Moroccan and African woman to win a gold medal at the World Taekwondo Championships in 2019.
Her extraordinary achievements have paved the way for the next generation of Moroccan female athletes.
#8 Aziz Bouhaddouz
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer (Football)
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Member of Morocco National Team in 2018 FIFA World Cup
Aziz Bouhaddouz, a talented Moroccan soccer player, has built a solid career playing for various clubs in Germany. Known for his goal-scoring abilities and versatility, he has been an indispensable asset to his teams.
Bouhaddouz’s international successes have earned him a spot among the most prominent Moroccan soccer players.
#9 Soufiane El Bakkali
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics (Steeplechase)
- 🎂 Born in: 1996
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2021 Olympic Gold Medal in 3000m Steeplechase
Soufiane El Bakkali is an accomplished Moroccan steeplechaser, best known for his incredible endurance and speed. With several impressive wins under his belt, including the 2021 Olympic gold medal, El Bakkali has firmly established himself as one of the top steeplechasers in the world.
His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring Moroccan athletes across various disciplines.
#10 Achraf Hakimi
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer (Football)
- 🎂 Born in: 1998
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2-time UEFA Champions League Winner
Achraf Hakimi, a rising star in Moroccan soccer, has garnered praise for his exceptional skills as a versatile defender and winger. His notable performances with Europe’s top football clubs, such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan, have earned him global recognition.
Hakimi’s ongoing success highlights the potential of Moroccan soccer talent on the international stage.
#11 Khadija Mardi
- 🏆 Sport(s): Boxing
- 🎂 Born in: 1995
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2019 African Games Gold Medal
Khadija Mardi, an exceptional Moroccan boxer, has made her mark in women’s boxing by winning numerous gold medals at the African Games and African Boxing Championships. Her relentless determination and fighting spirit have earned her a spot among the top Moroccan athletes.
Mardi’s impressive record represents a significant milestone for women’s boxing in Morocco and Africa.
#12 Salaheddine Bounasser
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics (Marathon Running)
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2018 Vienna City Marathon Winner
Salaheddine Bounasser, a competitive Moroccan marathon runner, has made a name for himself by conquering some of the most prestigious marathons worldwide. His remarkable performance in the 2018 Vienna City Marathon marked a defining moment in his career.
Bounasser’s steadfast persistence and unwavering dedication serve as a shining example for upcoming Moroccan athletes.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Morocco?
Hicham El Guerrouj, a middle-distance runner, is considered the greatest athlete in Morocco’s history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Morocco?
Nawal El Moutawakel, a former hurdler, is the most popular female athlete from Morocco.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Morocco?
Football has the most popular athletes from Morocco.
Which athlete from Morocco is the most popular internationally?
Hicham El Guerrouj is the most internationally recognized athlete from Morocco.
