Morocco is planning visits by several international football legends, including Brazilian greats Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho, as the country steps up efforts to promote its sporting and tourism attractions ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The initiative follows the recent visit of former Brazil captain Cafu, whose tour of the North African country included visits to major football facilities, museums and some of its most prominent cities.
The visits form part of a wider strategy to raise Morocco’s international profile by using the popularity and global influence of celebrated football figures to showcase its sporting infrastructure, cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Cafu’s visit provided an opportunity to highlight the investments Morocco has made in football development. One of the main stops on his programme was the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura, where he was introduced to the modern facilities and infrastructure developed to support the country’s football ambitions.
The Brazilian legend also visited the Mohammed VI Football Museum, where he explored important moments in Moroccan football history and learned about the achievements and progress made by the national game over the years.
Beyond football, Cafu’s itinerary took him to Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech, allowing him to experience some of the country’s cultural and tourism attractions. The visits were also intended to draw attention to Morocco’s diversity and appeal as a destination for international visitors.
Morocco expects more football legends
According to information obtained by winwin, Cafu’s visit is expected to be followed by similar trips involving other prominent names in international football in the coming months.
The initiative is being coordinated between Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation as part of a joint strategy to use the international recognition of football legends to promote the country.
Among the personalities expected to visit are Brazilian former World Cup winner Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, popularly known as Ronaldo, and his compatriot Ronaldinho. Several former players from the Argentina national team are also expected to be included in the planned visits.
The strategy is based on the considerable influence these former players continue to enjoy across the world. Their popularity, particularly on social media and through international media coverage, offers Morocco an opportunity to reach millions of people and introduce them to its sporting and tourism attractions.
Visits by internationally recognised football personalities to Moroccan stadiums, training facilities and tourist destinations can also provide significant exposure for the country. Their presence is expected to help communicate the progress Morocco has made in developing its infrastructure while encouraging greater interest from tourists and football supporters.
The campaign is closely connected to Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host. The tournament represents an important opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate its organisational capabilities and showcase the infrastructure developed as part of its long-term investment in football.
By involving some of the most recognisable figures in the history of the sport, Morocco is seeking to strengthen its international visibility well before the competition begins.
The expected visits by Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and former Argentine stars would further extend that effort, building on the attention generated by Cafu’s recent trip.
Through the initiative, Morocco hopes to establish itself not only as a major football destination but also as an attractive international tourism centre, using the global reach of football to strengthen its image in the years leading up to the 2030 World Cup.
