"A complete player": Hadji's praise for Mazraoui ahead of France-Morocco
Ahead of the quarter-final against France, Moroccan legend Mustapha Hadji praised Noussair Mazraoui, ranking him among the world's top ten players in his position thanks to his game intelligence.
France
Morocco- 90'Final score: France 2 - 0 Morocco
- 87'Substitution: ↑ M. Gusto / ↓ J. Kounde (France)
- 85'Substitution: ↑ A. Sbai / ↓ C. Talbi (Morocco)
- 77'Substitution: ↑ B. Barcola / ↓ D. Doue (France)
- 77'Substitution: ↑ J. Mateta / ↓ K. Mbappe (France)
- 74'Substitution: ↑ Z. El Ouahdi / ↓ A. Salah-Eddine (Morocco)
- 74'Substitution: ↑ G. Yassine / ↓ B. Diaz (Morocco)
- 71'Substitution: ↑ W. Zaire-Emery / ↓ M. Kone (France)
- 66'⚽ Goal for France (O. Dembele)
- 63'Yellow card: Issa Diop (Morocco)
- 62'Substitution: ↑ S. Rahimi / ↓ B. El Khannouss (Morocco)
- 62'Substitution: ↑ S. Amrabat / ↓ A. Bouaddi (Morocco)
- 60'⚽ Goal for France (K. Mbappe)
- 45'Half-time
- 28'Penalty missed: Kylian Mbappé (France)
- 0'Kick-off
On the eve of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against France, Moroccan legend Mustapha Hadji paid tribute to defender Noussair Mazraoui, saying he "gives Morocco balance in defense and attack."
Hadji said: "He's a very smart player in his anticipation, quick-witted and fast in his movements, and he's also good with his head," adding that Mazraoui "is among the top ten players in the world in his position."
Hadji also highlighted the player's versatility, noting: "He's a good player who can play in several positions without any problem," before concluding by calling him "a complete player."
This praise carries extra weight ahead of a tough test for Morocco against France, where Mazraoui will need to both contain France's threatening right flank and provide attacking support.
