‘Coach Momo’: The Unlikely Journey of Morocco’s Manager from Classroom to World Cup Quarter-finals

The man at the helm of Morocco’s surprising World Cup journey, Mohamed Ouahbi, also known as ‘Coach Momo,’ possesses a background far removed from the typical managerial path. For over a decade, Ouahbi was a physical education teacher in Brussels, dedicating his time to educating children between the ages of six and twelve. His journey to managing Morocco in a World Cup quarter-final against France is a unique narrative of dedication, mentorship, and a philosophy that bridges education and elite sport.

From Brussels Classrooms to Anderlecht Academy

Born 49 years ago in Brussels to Moroccan parents, Ouahbi’s passion for football was ignited by the 1986 World Cup, a tournament that saw Morocco reach the second round for the first time. This early inspiration fostered a lifelong connection to his heritage, even as his personal and professional life unfolded in Belgium.

His coaching career began modestly at the age of 21 with Maccabi Brussels. However, his trajectory shifted significantly in 2003 when he joined the prestigious Anderlecht academy. Over 17 years, Ouahbi rose through the ranks, nurturing talent from the Under-9s to becoming a respected figure within the academy and even serving as an assistant coach for the first team.

Mentoring Belgian Stars

During his extensive tenure at Anderlecht, Ouahbi worked with a generation of Belgian footballing talent. Players like Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Dodi Lukebakio all developed under his guidance. Even Remco Evenepoel, who later transitioned to become a world-class cyclist, spent time under Ouahbi’s tutelage up to the Under-19 level.

Ouahbi’s philosophy emphasizes the crucial link between education and football development. He observed that players who completed their secondary education often possessed the discipline and structured approach needed to succeed at the professional level. This belief, honed in his teaching career, was seamlessly integrated into his coaching methods.

A Call to Lead Morocco

After a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fateh, Ouahbi received a pivotal call from Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation. Lekjaa had been impressed by Ouahbi’s work in Belgium and saw him as the ideal candidate to lead a long-term project for the national team.

In 2022, Ouahbi was entrusted with the Morocco Under-20 team. Within three years, he transformed a young squad into a competitive unit with a clear identity, culminating in a victory at the U-20 World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final. This success, coupled with changes in the senior team’s management, paved the way for Ouahbi’s appointment to the senior national team.

Surprising Success on the World Stage

Ouahbi’s appointment as the senior team manager, just months before the World Cup, was met with surprise. His lack of experience with a senior national team was a point of discussion. However, the Moroccan federation’s faith has been repaid with remarkable results. Morocco, with an average age of 26.4 years, is one of the youngest teams in the tournament and has consistently performed above expectations.

The manager attributes this success to the team’s remarkable discipline and mutual respect. “Generally, young people are criticized for not listening to older people and going their own way,” Ouahbi commented. “But in this team, the opposite happens. They listen a lot to the coaching staff and the veteran players. There is enormous mutual respect.” This shift in mentality, fostered by ‘Coach Momo,’ has been instrumental in Morocco’s historic World Cup run.

Key facts

Ouahbi’s journey underscores the value of diverse experiences in football management. His background as an educator and youth developer has equipped him with a unique perspective, emphasizing discipline, respect, and holistic player development. For fans following the World Cup, the story of ‘Coach Momo’ is a compelling reminder that impactful leadership can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Source: MARCA Futbol – https://www.marca.com/futbol/mundial/2026/07/09/profesor-educacion-fisica-desafia-francia-increible-historia-coach-momo.html