Report: Andrés Iniesta and the Moroccan Football Project

Current Status of Negotiations

As of mid-January 2026, major outlets including The Athletic and AS report that the FRMF is in "advanced talks" with Andrés Iniesta. The 41-year-old World Cup winner was recently seen in Rabat as an honored guest of the Federation during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final (where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0).

Proposed Roles

While a specific job title has not been finalized, the discussions center around high-level technical and developmental positions:

• Technical Advisor/Director: Overseeing the national team’s technical architecture and coaching philosophy.

• Youth Development Catalyst: Leveraging his experience from La Masia to modernize Morocco’s youth pathways.

• Executive/Administrative Role: Contributing to the long-term organizational strategy of the federation.

Strategic Objectives

Morocco’s pursuit of Iniesta is part of a broader "football renaissance" led by FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and supported by King Mohammed VI:

1. World Cup 2030 Preparation: As a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, Morocco views Iniesta as a perfect bridge between the host nations and a figure who brings "trophy-proven intelligence."

2. Global Branding: Bringing in a global icon like Iniesta signals Morocco's intent to become a premier destination for elite football management.

3. National Team Support: While not expected to replace head coach Walid Regragui immediately, Iniesta's presence is intended to bolster the technical staff and provide elite-level mentorship to the "Atlas Lions."

Background

Iniesta retired from professional football in October 2024 after a final season with Emirates Club in the UAE. Since then, he has been vocal about his desire to pursue coaching and management. His deep popularity in Morocco and his existing ties to the region (having previously backed Morocco's 2026 World Cup bid) have made him a natural candidate for this ambitious project.