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In an event attended by football lovers, Malaga rendered homage to Abdallah Ben Brek El Antaki. City leaders, the current team of Malaga CF and students from the club were present Thursday to award the Moroccan footballer also known as «Abdallah Malaga».
«Of all the tributes that have been paid to him throughout his life, this is the most special one because we are all here», said his daughter who accompanied the rest of the family attending the event.
On the same day, the 6th gate of the Rosaleda Stadium was inaugurated, bearing the name of the player. Standing next to the huge door, Ben Barek said that «Malaga will always be the team [his] heart loves the most». «I am very proud that in Morocco they call me ‘Abdallah Malaga’», he added.
In addition to the career he built in Spain, Abdallah managed to wear several jerseys. Moroccans recall his unbelievable performance with the Atlas Lions against Spain.
His victories with the Moroccan national football team do not stop there. In fact, El Antaki was also a coach and technical director for the Atlas Lions, recalls Diario Sur. In 1986, at the Mexico World Cup «Abdallah Malaga» served as a technical director for the team, which was the first African team to win a group, defeating Portugal.
The man who played football in the royal palace
On Thursday, Ben Barek spoke about his childhood in Morocco describing the days when he used to «play in the Royal palace», reported Diario Sur, highlighting the footballer’s close relation with the royal family at the time.
Son of King Mohammed V’s chauffeur, Ben Barek learned how to play football in the royal palace in Rabat. More than that, one of his teammates was King Hassan II, the young crown prince.
Ben Barek was later decorated by King Hassan II in 1968 for his talent and accomplishments.
