The Architect of Morocco's 2025 Arab Cup Victory... Who is Tarik Sektioui?

Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui. (AFP)

Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui has firmly established himself in the Arab sports scene after leading Morocco's national team to win the 2025 Arab Cup title, following an exciting 3-2 victory over Jordan after extra time in a final that clearly bore his tactical signature.

The triumph came after a decisive contribution from striker Abderrazak Hamdallah off the bench, who scored two goals that turned the match around, a technical decision reflecting Sektioui's experience and ability to manage major details.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Tarik Sektioui was born on May 13, 1977, in the Moroccan city of Fez. He is 48 years old and holds dual Moroccan and Dutch citizenship.

He began his football career in 1995 within the youth ranks of Maghreb de Fès, in a highly football-oriented environment, as his family roots are deeply connected to the world of football.

A Family Deeply Rooted in Football

Sektioui comes from a family closely linked to the sport; his grandfather was a player and referee, while his father and three brothers also played football, providing an early foundation for honing his talent and deep understanding of the game.

A Rich European Professional Experience

Sektioui had his first professional experience outside Morocco in 1997 and had a notable career as a player, representing prominent European clubs including:

- FC Porto (Portugal)
- AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
- Auxerre (France)
- Neuchâtel Xamax (Switzerland)

These stops contributed to shaping his football personality and refining his technical vision.

International Achievements as a Player

One of Sektioui's most significant international achievements came in 1997 when he won the African Youth Championship with the Moroccan national team held in Morocco, also earning the Best Player award in the tournament, an early confirmation of his technical value.

Retirement and Transition to Coaching

Tarik Sektioui ended his playing career in 2011 after obtaining a UEFA coaching diploma, beginning a new phase on the sidelines, benefiting from his extensive experience inside and outside Morocco.

A Coaching Career Full of Titles

Sektioui has successfully left his mark as a coach with several clubs and national teams, where he:

- Led Maghreb de Fès to win the Moroccan Throne Cup
- Won the CAF Confederation Cup with RS Berkane
- Managed Ittihad Touarga and Moghreb Tétouan
- Had an experience abroad with UAE club Al Emirates
- Coached the Moroccan Olympic national team
- Led the Moroccan local national team before the recent Arab Cup triumph

An Arab Title Confirming His Technical Value

Winning the 2025 Arab Cup title represents the culmination of a rising coaching career and a clear message about the competence of the Moroccan coaching school, which continues to assert its presence on the Arab and continental stages.