Since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), currently being held in Morocco, Moroccan social media has been buzzing with remarks about the atmosphere in stadiums during the Atlas Lions’ matches. These reactions question the level of engagement and interaction in the stands. Some have gone as far as criticizing Moroccan fans’ involvement, comparing them to regular stadium-goers and ultras. Is this an accurate assessment, a false debate, or an unfair comparison?
Since the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, currently being held in Morocco, numerous videos have circulated showing moments of genuine camaraderie between Moroccan supporters and fans from other participating countries. These scenes stand in sharp contrast to the racist rhetoric sometimes found online. Mehdi Alioua, a professor of sociology at Sciences Po–International University of Rabat (UIR) and a specialist in migration, looks at this deeply rooted dynamic of social