“Fan culture is an essential voice in Moroccan society today.”
Mentalità takes us on a journey through the Old Medina of Casablanca.
The Old Medina: Heart of Wydad Passion
The Old Medina of Casablanca, with its narrow alleys, crumbling colonial façades, and centuries-old souks, stands as a living symbol of the city’s layered history—and at its heart beats a fierce passion for Wydad Athletic Club.
Long before Casablanca became a modern metropolis, the Medina served as a tight-knit, working-class stronghold where football wasn’t just a pastime but a powerful expression of identity and resistance.
Founded in 1937 during the French Protectorate, Wydad quickly became a source of pride for locals, especially in the Medina, where it was seen as a club of the people, embodying Moroccan dignity and struggle. Over the decades, the Medina has remained a bastion of Wydadi support, with generations painting walls red and chanting in alleyways.
Even today, it’s common to see children playing street football in the colours of Wydad, with murals and flags honouring the club scattered throughout the neighbourhood—a testament to Medina’s enduring role as both the cultural soul of Casablanca and a historic fortress of Wydad loyalty.
Wydad and Raja: Clubs of Identity and Resistance
Wydad was viewed as a symbol of nationalism and resistance, representing the Moroccan struggle against colonial rule and drawing support from across the country, particularly from the Old Medina and the broader working class.
Its early inclusion in the French colonial league system gave the club a unique platform and status, laying the foundations for its long-standing institutional strength and its continued dominance over the Medina area, where Wydad’s red colours are painted across alley walls and rooftops.
Raja, founded in 1949 by leftist intellectuals, trade unionists, and pan-Arab activists, came to embody progressive ideals, social justice, and anti-establishment energy. It attracted a younger, often more radical, and politically engaged fan base, many from Casablanca’s poorer peripheries.
Casablanca is a city divided in two between Wydad and Raja. Their respective relationships with their colonial pasts continue to be a point of debate to this day.
For Wydad fans, playing in the French league and winning was seen as a form of resistance in itself, while Raja fans criticised them for having placated their colonial rulers.
The Rise of Ultras in Morocco
Ultras culture in Morocco has grown into one politically expressive fan movement in North Africa, uniquely shaped by the country’s monarchical system.
Emerging in the mid-2000s with groups like Ultras Green Boys (Raja) and Ultras Winners (Wydad), Moroccan ultras took inspiration from European scenes but quickly developed their own identity—marked by stunning tifos, relentless chants, and deep social engagement.
In a context where public dissent is often restricted, stadiums have become a rare space for youth to voice their frustrations about inequality, unemployment, and injustice.
This dynamic is especially distinct in North Africa, where Morocco’s monarchy maintains tight control over political expression—making the ultras’ presence in stadiums not just about football but a form of symbolic resistance and grassroots identity-building.
Despite periodic clashes with authorities, the movement continues to grow, serving as both a reflection and an outlet for the ambitions of Morocco’s youth.
Football Fever and National Development
The excitement around football in Morocco is palpable. Hakimi and Diaz appear on half the advertising boards. The King has just completed an impressive new training centre for the national team.
There are ongoing efforts to remodel all the club training centres, build a 130,000-capacity stadium, and refurbish seven other stadiums across the country.
Wydad and Raja are scheduled to play the first test match at the Mohammed V Stadium on April 12th. However, upon inspection, it appears unlikely as much work remains to be done.
The ultras of both clubs have also issued messages against the Football Association, frustrated at being used to promote this development while being forced to play matches without a consistent home throughout the season.
Fan Culture: The Voice of the People
What stands out most is that fan culture is an essential voice in Moroccan society today.
Now 20 years old as a movement, these groups are playing an active role in voicing popular opinions regarding the tournament’s preparation.
At best, it can serve as an example of holding authorities accountable.
However, there are fears that with the modernisation of stadiums, a climate of repression could emerge—one that might ultimately destroy the ultras scene.
All images and words by Mentalità