Moroccan football has been thrown into mourning following the death of Faten Ben Omar El Azizi, a former player for Moghreb Atlético Tetuan, who reportedly died while attempting to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
According to local media, El Azizi lost her life during the dangerous sea crossing, a tragedy that has deeply affected the football community in Tangier and beyond.
Local outlet Al Chamal 24 reported that the 20-year-old former footballer drowned while trying to reach Ceuta, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the city and among members of Morocco’s sporting fraternity.
Her death comes at a time of increasing irregular migration attempts from northern Morocco to Ceuta.
In recent days, several people have reportedly died while attempting the journey, with rough seas and security-related dangers continuing to make the crossing highly perilous.
News of El Azizi’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from teammates, friends, and football figures across Morocco, many of whom described her as a committed athlete, a hardworking individual, and a compassionate person.
The incident has also reignited concerns about the growing number of lives being lost on dangerous migration routes as people risk everything in hopes of reaching Europe.
The Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers also paid tribute to the late player, extending condolences to her family and the wider football community.
“At this difficult time, UMFP President Mustapha El Hadaoui, together with all members of the Union, extends its sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the late player’s family, loved ones, teammates, Moghreb de Tanger, and the entire Moroccan football community.
“We share in their grief and pray that the Almighty welcomes her into His infinite mercy, grants her the highest place in Paradise, and gives her family patience, strength, and comfort during this time of loss,” the statement read.
