Football legend Ronaldinho praises Morocco’s football rise

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has expressed strong admiration for Moroccan football, singling out star defender Achraf Hakimi as a leading figure in the country’s growing influence on the global stage.

Regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldinho was recently invited to share his views on the current state of the game, with particular attention given to the rise of football in Morocco. The 2002 World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d’Or recipient praised the increasing visibility and quality of Moroccan players competing at the highest level of world football.

Hakimi and the new generation leading the way

In an upcoming interview with Soccer212, Ronaldinho specifically highlighted the progress embodied by Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Moroccan national team, the Atlas Lions. He described Moroccan players as technically gifted, disciplined, and emotionally connected to their national identity.

“When we look at Moroccan players today, they are playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world, like Hakimi at PSG. They are players with a lot of personality and a very distinctive style. You can see the love they all have for representing their country at the highest level,” Ronaldinho stated.

Growing appeal of Morocco for dual-nationality talents

The Brazilian legend also pointed to a broader trend: the increasing number of dual-nationality players choosing to represent Morocco instead of European nations such as Belgium, the Netherlands, or France. This shift reflects both the country’s improved sporting project and its growing appeal on the international stage.

A recognition of Morocco’s rising status

Ronaldinho’s comments add to the growing international recognition of Moroccan football, which has continued to strengthen its reputation in recent years through strong performances at continental and global competitions.

For Moroccan fans and players alike, such praise from a football icon of Ronaldinho’s stature further confirms the country’s emergence as a serious force in world football.