From 1986 World Cup legend to the Jordan bench: who is Badou Zaki?
Jordan's federation appoints Badou Zaki as head coach — the third straight Moroccan to lead the Nashama toward the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Jordan Football Association has officially announced the appointment of Moroccan coach Badou Zaki as head coach of Jordan's national team, the "Nashama", on a one-year contract.
Third Moroccan coach in a row
The appointment follows the acceptance of the resignation of fellow Moroccan Jamal Sellami, the man who led Jordan to their first-ever World Cup qualification with a 3-0 win over Oman. Zaki becomes the third consecutive Moroccan coach to take charge of the Jordanian national team, following Hicham Ammouta, who had guided the country to its first-ever Asian Cup final.
A legend of Moroccan football
At 67 years old, Badou Zaki is no stranger to the international stage. A former goalkeeper, he led Morocco to the round of 16 at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, a historic achievement for African football, and was named African Player of the Year that same year. As a coach, he has led the Moroccan national team on two separate occasions, including a run to the 2004 AFCON final.
Eyes on the 2027 Asian Cup
Badou Zaki's priority at the helm of Jordan will be preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. The Jordanian federation is banking on the Moroccan coach's international experience to continue the momentum built by his two predecessors.
