Diaspo #417 : Driss Bourroum, proudly representing Morocco in badminton

From a young age, Driss Bourroum grew up with a passion for racket sports. Born to a French mother and a Moroccan father, he was raised in Normandy and first picked up tennis. But at the age of seven, he made a choice that would shape his future as a professional athlete. Introduced to badminton by a childhood friend, his curiosity was instantly sparked. He traded the yellow ball for a shuttlecock, stepping into a sport far removed from clay court tennis.

«Many think badminton is just a variation of tennis, but having practiced both at a young age, I can say they are very different sports», Driss Bourroum told Yabiladi. Yet the budding champion never fully distanced himself from tennis, continuing to admire his idols on clay, grass, and hard courts. It was through them that his dream of one day competing in the Olympic Games was born.

«I grew up watching Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic on TV. I’ve always loved watching their matches and studying their game. Even though I chose badminton, I never stopped following these great players. They inspire me not only for their physical performance but also for their mental strength and adaptability».

Balancing High-Level Sport and University

Driss Bourroum began playing at Bagnoles Badminton Club at age eight, before moving on to Lille and later to the Conquérant Badminton Club Caen. But his passion for sport never overshadowed his education. Alongside badminton, he attended primary school in Bagnoles de l’Orne, went to middle school in La Ferté-Macé, and then high school in Caen, where he joined a sports-study program.

The prodigy quickly forged a professional path, eventually competing in the first division of the French Championship. Driven by excellence, he also takes pride in being registered in Morocco with the Association Volant d’Or Badminton Marrakech.

Now living in Bordeaux since 2019 and determined to build a solid athletic career, Driss trains twice a day, about twenty hours a week, at the J2S Academy. Even after completing his baccalaureate, he continued combining sport and academics.

«Right now, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in international law with a specialization in transport law at the University of Montesquieu in Bordeaux-Pessac. My main ambition is to devote myself to my sports career, but badminton remains a discipline that lacks support and sponsorship compared to others», he explained.

Without sponsorship in international competitions, the player relies partly on help from his club but mostly on his own financial resources.

«We also know that, however long it may be, a sports career is still short compared to a professional career. I see myself as a high-level badminton athlete, but given the current situation, it remains difficult to live from it alone».

Even while competing in France’s first division, Driss Bourroum remains committed to representing Morocco on international podiums. At the 2025 African Badminton Championship in Douala (Cameroon), he earned a bronze medal in singles, one achievement among many in a growing list that honors the national colors.

The Pride of Representing Morocco Despite the Obstacles

Driss Bourroum won the gold medal at the Moroccan Championship in 2022. Two years later, he reached the quarter-finals of the African Championship. In 2024, he claimed silver at the Costa Rica Future Series. Returning to the continental tournament this year, he once again reached the podium despite fierce competition.

He also secured bronze at both the Cuba International 2025 and the Egypt International 2025. As of the end of October, he ranks 162nd globally in men’s singles and is the highest-ranked African player in the world standings. But since 2021, the suspension of the Royal Moroccan Badminton Federation (FRMBAD) by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), due to a dispute over representation, has limited access to international competitions.

Only in 2023 did Driss receive a special exemption, allowing him to compete under the neutral designation «Morocco Independent». «I participated in competitions in 2024, but there’s always a sting in the heart when you can’t fully play under your flag. Still, I continue to take part in global events because I will always represent Morocco, no matter the obstacles», he told us.

When asked about his determination to represent Morocco despite the challenges, Driss says it’s essential not to forget one’s roots. For him, it is also a way of giving back to the Moroccan public, who show unwavering support for athletes across disciplines.