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After years of training in France and a steady rise in professional football, Othmane Maamma now stands at the pinnacle of his young career. With Morocco’s U20 national team, the former Montpellier player, now a winger for Watford FC, achieved historic success this week in Chile, helping the Atlas Cubs defeat Argentina 2–0 to lift the U20 World Cup trophy.
Despite initial reluctance from his club to release him for the tournament, Maamma made history again, winning the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.
This distinction recognizes the exceptional talent of the Alès-born footballer, who signed his first professional contract with Montpellier at just 19, in December 2024. After the club’s relegation to Ligue 2, the young captain of Morocco’s U20s transferred to Watford FC last summer. Just weeks after celebrating his 20th birthday, he joins the elite group of Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Paul Pogba, and Kang-in Lee, all former U20 Golden Ball winners.
From One Triumph to Another
The epic final against Argentina capped an extraordinary collective journey under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, with Maamma shining throughout the tournament. Operating mainly down the left flank, he impressed with his pace, creativity, and defensive work, tormenting opposing defenses with his unpredictability.
With four assists, the highest in the tournament, one goal, and a combination of technical and tactical brilliance, he was hailed as one of the tournament’s standout dribblers, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinícius Jr.
Alongside his teammates, Morocco’s number seven was a driving force behind the team’s success. The Atlas Cubs became the first Moroccan side ever to reach a World Cup final at any level. Maamma was named Man of the Match in both the quarter-final against the United States (3–1) and the semi-final against France (1–1, 5–4 on penalties), before naturally claiming the Golden Ball in the final.
«As soon as he touches the ball, the whole stadium holds its breath, waiting to witness a moment of magic that only he can produce», wrote FIFA in its match report.
A Mindset Beyond Football
Beyond his technical skill and athleticism, Maamma’s mental strength has been key to his rise. Speaking to FIFA during the tournament, he explained: «When you’re a footballer, you have to stay positive. We have a great squad, full of talented players and an excellent technical staff. Honestly, elimination never crossed our minds. Going home early was never an option. We knew what we were capable of, so why stop there?»
He later added: «Everyone knows they have to give 200%, because wearing this jersey carries huge responsibility. You wear it with pride; there’s no room to cheat. We’ve given everything since the start of the competition».
Just one step away from the sport’s ultimate podium, the Moroccan captain has impressed not only for his quality on the pitch but also for his character. Even Watford FC, initially cautious about his participation, celebrated his achievement, posting messages of support and praise throughout the tournament.
Crowned world champion, Othmane Maamma now embodies a generation of Moroccan players who combine talent, discipline, and humility.
A Gesture That Captured Hearts
After the final, Maamma made headlines again, this time for a gesture that captured the spirit of Moroccan football. As fans gathered outside the stadium in Santiago, the young star handed his match boots to a Chilean child who had cheered for Morocco with his parents.
In a video widely shared online, the boy’s astonished expression and his parents’ joy perfectly summed up what Maamma and the Atlas Cubs represented throughout the tournament: football that inspires, unites, and creates role models for the next generation.
