AFCON 2025
Morocco and Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has revealed that he could walk away from football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup to focus on his religious ambitions.
Speaking about his future, the 28-year-old admitted that football may not remain his priority for much longer.
“I might decide to retire after the World Cup. Life is short. I want to memorize the Qur’an and become an Imam of a mosque one day.”
The statement offers a rare glimpse into the long-term aspirations of one of Morocco’s most respected players. While many footballers focus on extending their careers as long as possible, Mazraoui appears to be thinking about life beyond the pitch and the legacy he wants to leave away from the game.
The defender has enjoyed a successful career at the highest level, representing Morocco at major international tournaments and playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, his latest comments suggest that spiritual fulfillment could ultimately outweigh sporting achievements in his future plans.
Should he follow through with his intentions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the final chapter of an impressive football journey before he embarks on a new path dedicated to faith, religious study, and community leadership.
