French star Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid player and captain of the French national team, arrived in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by members of his family, to attend the Morocco vs. Mali match scheduled for Friday evening as part of the Africa Cup of Nations.
It was reported that Mbappé accepted the invitation of his close friend Achraf Hakimi, in addition to his personal connection to Morocco, which he knows well. He was accompanied by his parents and his younger brother, Ethan.
It was added that if circumstances permit, Mbappé is expected to visit the Moroccan national team’s training camp and meet the outstanding right-back Hakimi.
Mbappé is expected to stay in Morocco until Monday, December 29th, when Real Madrid’s training resumes, with the possibility of him attending other matches of the continental tournament during his holiday.
Expected Attendance of Ousmane Dembélé
It was also mentioned that the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé, winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, to Morocco is expected.
It has not yet been decided whether Dembélé, who has a strong relationship with Hakimi, will choose to be at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat alongside his French national team teammate Mbappé or will choose to attend another match.
Mbappé is a close friend of Hakimi, his former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, and previously expressed his support for him with a heartfelt message following his award as the best African player in 2025.
Mbappé
“Mbappé” refers to Kylian Mbappé, a French professional footballer widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. He rose to global fame after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and has played for clubs including AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, where he has broken numerous scoring records.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and famous football clubs, historically renowned for its European success, including a record number of UEFA Champions League titles.
French national team
The French national football team, known as “Les Bleus,” is the representative men’s senior team of France in international football, governed by the French Football Federation. It was officially formed in 1904 and has a storied history, winning its first major trophy, the UEFA European Championship, in 1984, and later achieving global success with FIFA World Cup victories on home soil in 1998 and again in 2018.
Moroccan capital
Rabat is the capital of Morocco, officially designated as such in 1912 under French colonial rule. It is a modern political and administrative center that also contains historic sites like the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret from the same Almohad period.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved historic quarters, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, which is the minaret of an incomplete 12th-century mosque.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakech, reflect this diverse heritage. The country is also known for its unique blend of Arab, African, and European influences in architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Mali
Mali is a landlocked West African nation historically renowned as the heart of the powerful Mali Empire, which flourished from the 13th to 16th centuries and was famed for its wealth, scholarship, and the city of Timbuktu. Today, it is home to significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient trading centers of Timbuktu and Djenné, though many of its cultural treasures face threats from conflict and environmental degradation.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations through sport and has grown from three initial participants to include 24 national teams competing for the continental title every two years.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi is not a place or cultural site, but a professional footballer from Morocco. He is known for playing as a right-back for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, having previously played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan.
Moroccan national team
The Moroccan national football team, known as the “Atlas Lions,” represents Morocco in international men’s football and is governed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Historically significant, the team became the first African and Arab nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain is a professional football club based in Paris, France, founded in 1970 following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain. It has become one of France’s most successful clubs, winning numerous domestic titles and establishing itself as a major force in European football.
Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé is a French professional footballer, not a place or cultural site. He is known for his career as a winger, having played for clubs like Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, and for the French national team.
Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine, first awarded in 1956. It honors the male and, since 2018, the female player deemed to have performed the best over the previous calendar year, as voted on by international journalists.
Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Moulay Abdellah Stadium is a major sports venue in Rabat, Morocco, named after Prince Moulay Abdellah. It was originally constructed in 1983 and later renovated to host the 2019 African Games, serving as a key site for football matches and athletic events.
