Gad Elmaleh Hails Morocco’s Historic World Cup Run as Source of National Pride

"And apart from your children, what makes you the most proud?" journalist Charlotte Bouteloup asked him during the show "Du temps avec". "Morocco in the World Cup [...] It’s an immense pride. [...] It’s a feeling that goes beyond football. [...] There is of course the sport, there are the athletes, there is the national team, there is a contagious joy," the Moroccan comedian replied to her. For Gad Elmaleh, "this Moroccan team shows great football, but also shows a joy, a way of celebrating that is beautiful, that is fraternal".

He also appreciated the way - throwing themselves into their mothers’ arms or inviting them to a dance - the Moroccan players celebrated the feats accomplished until making Morocco the first African and Arab country to reach for the first time in its history the semi-finals of the World Cup. "When the players go see their parents or take their mom on the field to celebrate with them, I’m in tears!, confides the father of Noé and Raphaël. I cry because these are my values and I tell myself, honoring your parents, when you’re playing a World Cup match and you’ve reached the pinnacle of your career, that’s part of our values."

And he adds: "taking people in your arms who are not Moroccans, nor Moroccan supporters, and singing with them in cities around the world, these are the values of Morocco".