Moroccan women’s football is mourning 20-year-old Faten Ben Omar El Azizi, who drowned while trying to swim from northern Morocco to Ceuta. The Spanish enclave forms one of the European Union’s two land borders with Africa.
Local outlet Al Chamal 24 reported that El Azizi died during the dangerous crossing. Reports linked her to Maghreb Atlético Tétouan, where she had previously played women’s football. The Moroccan Union of Professional Footballers, or UMFP, also referred to Moghreb de Tanger in its condolence message.
Hundreds attended her burial, according to Al Jazeera. Her family said officials approved her Schengen visa on the same day she died. That detail deepened the grief around a young player who had hoped to find better opportunities in Spain.
Tributes Pour In for Young Moroccan Player
Friends, former teammates and members of Morocco’s football community described El Azizi as dedicated, hardworking and kind-hearted. Her club said she was not seeking fame or adventure. She simply wanted “a new door” in life and believed a better future waited across the border.
The UMFP expressed condolences to her relatives and the wider sporting community.
“At this difficult time, UMFP President Mustapha El Hadaoui, together with all members of the Union, extends its sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the late player’s family, loved ones, teammates, Moghreb de Tanger, and the entire Moroccan football community.
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“We share in their grief and pray that the Almighty welcomes her into His infinite mercy, grants her the highest place in Paradise, and gives her family patience, strength, and comfort during this time of loss,” the statement read.
Her death sparked tributes across social media. Supporters remembered a promising footballer whose sporting journey ended while she searched for a safer future.
Death Highlights Human Cost of Ceuta Migration Crisis
El Azizi died during an unprecedented surge in crossings from Morocco into Ceuta. More than 50,000 people entered the territory by land and sea after the movement began on July 30, Spanish authorities said.
Reuters reported that at least 72 people had died by August 2. Some drowned, while crowds crushed others near the breakwater and border fence. More than 1,000 people also needed medical treatment.
Morocco reported 11 deaths, mostly from drowning, and counted around 40,000 people in the surge. Officials blamed social media misinformation, trafficking networks and confusion over a Spanish court ruling. Spain later installed a 500-metre floating barrier and reinforced patrols.
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The crisis has renewed concern about young Moroccans risking their lives on irregular routes to Europe. Economic hardship and false online claims reportedly encouraged many people to attempt the crossing.
El Azizi’s death has given that wider tragedy a deeply personal face. Her loss has united Morocco’s football community in grief. It has also raised urgent questions about why young people see the sea as their only path to opportunity.
