Morocco’s World Cup Hero: Walid Regragui Honored in Hometown Corbeil-Essonnes

In Corbeil-Essonnes, more precisely in the Montconseil district, it is a feeling of pride that animates the childhood friends of Walid Regragui. Azdine Ouis has followed all the matches of the Atlas Lions and celebrated each victory. He remembers their childhood dreams and especially their passion for football. He is delighted for his friend, who has worked wonders with the Moroccan team in a short time, reports RMC Sport.

"We used to spend our Saturdays here before the official matches with AS Corbeil on Sundays. But beyond the training matches that brought together the young people of Montconseil, Walid especially managed to create a dynamic for the appointments against the rival district of Tarterêts," recalls Azdine.

Saïd Elhoujjaji, another of his childhood friends, specifies that Walid Regragui was convinced that he would end up playing a role in the influence of football in Morocco. "In 1994, Walid told me, straight in the eyes, one day I will play for the national team and he did it. Now he is a coach, it is exceptional. I have a little tear because I tell myself... what beautiful things for these young people from Corbeil-Essonnes".

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For him, "Walid is summed up by work, self-denial, rigor and seriousness. He never gave up in training. For him, success came from work. He repeats to believe in oneself and to carry one’s dreams high. He has always said, in his press conferences, that if he had not dreamed, he would never have reached this level."

This Saturday, against Portugal, even if the adventure were to end for Morocco, his friends are ready to welcome him as a hero in Corbeil-Essonnes. "He is the prodigy child of Corbeil-Essonnes, a source of pride, an example that embodies the values of living together, resilience and hope for the youth here," Azdine emphasizes.