Morocco Earthquake: Former African footballer of the year  joins earthquake rescue team in Morocco

Mustapha Hadji (left) pushing a wheel barrow with a colleague (right) in Morocco | Image by Kora Morocco

FOOTBALL Morocco Earthquake: Former African footballer of the year joins earthquake rescue team in Morocco

Peter Tabu • 13:41 - 12.09.2023

Tragically, the earthquake resulted in the loss of up to 2,000 lives, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions. In response, numerous citizens, including the former captain of the Atlas Lions, Mustapha Hadji, have joined forces with authorities to provide much-needed assistance in the ongoing rescue operations.

The Kingdom of Morocco currently finds itself in the midst of one of the most challenging periods in its history, following the devastating impact of a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale.

Tragically, the earthquake resulted in the loss of up to 2,000 lives, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions. In response, numerous citizens, including the former captain of the Atlas Lions, Mustapha Hadji, have joined forces with authorities to provide much-needed assistance in the ongoing rescue operations.

Mustapha Hadji featured prominetly for Morocco. (Hadji Instagram).

Captured in a photograph, Hadji, 51, can be seen actively working alongside other dedicated rescue workers in Morocco. Their combined efforts are focused on rescuing individuals who remain trapped beneath the debris.

Many of the victims are believed to be located in remote mountainous areas that are difficult to access. The epicenter of the earthquake was situated in the high Atlas Mountains, approximately 71 km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh.

Throughout his career, Mustapha Hadji earned an impressive 63 caps for the Atlas Lions, scoring 12 goals. He also represented esteemed clubs such as Espanyol, Aston Villa, and Coventry.

Hadji, renowned for his distinctive ponytail during his prime, achieved the honor of being named the African Footballer of the Year in 1998. He is also the older brother of Youssef Hadji, who also proudly represented Morocco and played for clubs including Rennes and Nancy in the French Ligue 1.

In light of the catastrophic events, the Royal Moroccan government has declared three days of national mourning. Condolences from around the world, particularly from prominent figures in the world of sports, have poured in to express their support.

Notable personalities such as Al Nasir, the esteemed Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi, and forward Willy Chedira have all shared heartfelt messages of solidarity.

Morocco is scheduled to compete against Burkina Faso in a friendly match in France on Tuesday. The proceeds from this event will be directed towards a fund specifically established to aid the victims of the earthquake.

Mustapha's younger brother Youssef also featured for the Atlas Lions.

Walid Regragui's team has made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the competition, ultimately securing a commendable fourth-place finish.

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