The presence of Andrés Iniesta in Morocco, during the 2025 African Cup of Nations and especially after the end of the competition, is making people talk. Rumors have even proliferated in recent days due to the astonishing suspense surrounding the future of Walid Regragui. After the final lost by the Atlas Lions against Senegal (1-0, ap), on January 18, at the end of an incredible meeting, the Franco-Moroccan coach is in fact on the departure. Really.
Tired of the numerous criticisms he received before the CAN and during the journey to the final, whistles having come down from the stands during the second match against Mali (1-1), Regragui proposed his resignation to the leaders of the Moroccan federation. And that doesn’t matter if there is a 2026 World Cup to be played in four months in North America, three and a half years after the epic journey to the semi-finals. An agreement to terminate his contract must be found.
Meanwhile, Andrés Iniesta has settled down in the Cherifian empire but there is no question of recovering the position of Morocco coach or even joining Walid Regragui’s staff. The former Barça genius, four-time winner of the Champions League (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), retired in October 2024, after a final season in the United Arab Emirates championship. A career as a coach or selector is not yet on the agenda.
Andrés Iniesta as special advisor!
As revealed by the Moroccan media Le360Iniesta is, in fact, preparing to join the national technical direction of the Moroccan federation. The former midfielder will “participate in the development of a playing model common to all Moroccan selections” with the aim of“harmonize tactical principles, structure technical training, develop collective understanding of the game from the youth categories and facilitate the transition between the different selections”.
Andrés Iniesta will thus take on the role of football referent, with the 2030 World Cup in his sights, this World Cup being co-organized by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The 2010 world champion is not approached by chance. Morocco is strongly linked to Spain when it comes to football. Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Ilias Akhomach and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli were born on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar and many Moroccan internationals play or have played in La Liga.
