Friends facing off: Players from Morocco and France who spent seasons together on the same team
(CNN) – Morocco faces a decisive match against France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, a clash where players from both teams know each other well, having played on the same clubs and sharing strong friendships. Here are the most notable ones.
Hakimi and Mbappé
A strong friendship binds the captains of Morocco and France. Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé played together at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2024, and they share a personal friendship off the pitch.
Mbappé traveled to Morocco to support his friend during the recent Africa Cup of Nations, and they exchanged jerseys when they met in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
Hakimi and Paris players
Hakimi plays alongside several French national team players at Paris Saint-Germain, including Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Lucas Hernandez.
Díaz and Tchouaméni
Ibrahim Díaz and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been playing for Real Madrid since 2023 and won the UEFA Champions League together in 2024.
Koné and El Aynaoui
Moroccan Nail El Aynaoui and Frenchman Manu Koné have shared dressing rooms at Roma since 2025.
Bono and Koundé
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono and French defender Jules Koundé played together at Sevilla from 2019 to 2022.
Bono and Théo
Bono plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal alongside French left-back Théo Hernandez, who joined the Saudi team last season.
Upamecano and Mazraoui
French defender Dayot Upamecano and Moroccan left-back Noussair Mazraoui were teammates at Bayern Munich for one season.
Original source: CNN Arabic
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