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Mohammed El Bazzazi's childhood was much like that of many children growing up in Morocco’s mountainous regions, where a passion for football often takes shape despite scarce resources. Raised in the Ghzaoua tribe, between Ouezzane and Chefchaouen, he learned early on to carve out his own path in the absence of football pitches, clubs, or structured training.
In the narrow alleys of his neighborhood, young Mohammed would gather around older boys who owned mobile phones, still a rarity at the time, to watch videos of Ronaldinho, Neymar, and other global stars. He studied their movements closely, memorizing every detail and dreaming of one day following in their footsteps.
Reality, however, was far from forgiving. The area where he grew up offered no sports infrastructure, and his schooling was cut short at the end of primary education. After completing sixth grade, Mohammed was forced to leave school, as the nearest middle school was too far and required relocating, an option his family could not afford. Speaking to Yabiladi, he recalls: «My father passed away when I was three years old, leaving my mother to support me alone. Given our social and economic situation, continuing my education was simply not possible».
A talent shaped by discipline and self-training
From an early age, Mohammed entered the workforce, taking on various odd jobs while never abandoning his love for football. «The ball was my constant companion», he says with a smile. Largely self-taught, he spent countless hours imitating the moves he saw in videos and matches. Observation laid the foundation, but real progress came on the pitch, where repetition and practice became his greatest teachers.
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He trained relentlessly, sometimes for four to six hours at a stretch, gradually refining his skills and adding his own creative touches. Over time, he became drawn to freestyle football, a discipline that allowed him greater freedom of expression and a chance to showcase technique rather than competition alone.
Nicknamed «The Ball Guy», Mohammed moved from solitary training to performing in public spaces, marking his first steps toward professionalism despite extremely limited means. «In Morocco, I was often asked to perform for free, or for very small sums, sometimes no more than 100 dirhams», he says. «In many cases, I spent more on travel than I earned».
From Turkey to Qatar’s stadiums
In early 2024, Mohammed received an offer to perform freestyle shows in Turkey at entertainment venues. The experience proved transformative. Performing before diverse international audiences over a seven-month period, he sharpened his craft and gained confidence. He describes it as the most important chapter of his career so far.
After the contract ended, he returned briefly to Morocco, working with associations and football clubs during opening ceremonies and finals, again for modest pay, before heading back to Turkey for another short contract. Soon after, a rare opportunity emerged.
Mohammed is currently in Qatar, where he was invited by organizers working with FIFA to perform freestyle shows outside stadiums during the Arab Cup, as part of fan-focused entertainment programs. Wearing the Moroccan national team jersey, he performs in front of large crowds, moments that reflect years of perseverance and self-belief.
Speaking to Yabiladi during a breathless phone call as he rushed between performances, Mohammed says he receives strong support from both Moroccans and international fans. He says he is proud to represent his country and hopes to take part in upcoming events during the Africa Cup, which will be hosted in Morocco.
Selected after auditions alongside professionals from various nationalities, Mohammed was chosen as part of a broader program aimed at enhancing the fan experience around major football tournaments.
Looking ahead, his ambitions remain wide-ranging. He dreams of touring the world, performing at major sporting events, and representing Morocco on the biggest stages. In the long term, he hopes to open a football-focused shop and training space.
Yet he remains realistic about the challenges at home. «Freestyle football doesn’t guarantee a future in Morocco», he admits. «It’s very difficult to make a living from it unless you land advertising deals or major shows. Abroad, freestyle is recognized as a profession. Here, we’re still fighting for that recognition».
