Walid Regragui is a Moroccan professional football manager and former player who has made significant strides in both his playing and managerial careers. Born on 23 September 1975, Regragui has transitioned from a successful right-back to a renowned coach, leading the Morocco national team to historic achievements in international football.
Birth
23 September 1975
Walid Regragui was born in Corbeil-Essonnes, Essonne, France, marking the beginning of a life that would be deeply intertwined with football.
Professional Debut
1998
Regragui turned professional, starting his career at Racing Club de France Football, where he began to develop his skills as a right-back.
International Debut
2001
Regragui made his international debut for Morocco in a World Cup qualifier against Egypt, the first of 45 appearances at the senior level.
Playing Career Highlights
2001-2009
Regragui played for several clubs including Toulouse, AC Ajaccio, Racing Santander, and Grenoble, winning the Division 2 title with Ajaccio in 2002 and finishing as a runner-up in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.
Coaching Career Begins
2012
Regragui started his coaching career as the assistant coach of Morocco's national team, under Rachid Taoussi.
Fath Union Sport
2014-2020
Regragui became the head coach of Fath Union Sport, leading the team to win the Moroccan Throne Cup and the Botola, and earning the Mars d'Or Coach of the Year award in 2015.
Wydad AC
2021-2022
Regragui was appointed as the head coach of Wydad AC, guiding the team to win the 2021-22 Botola and the CAF Champions League, becoming only the second Moroccan manager to achieve this feat.
Morocco National Team
31 August 2022
Regragui was appointed as the head coach of the Morocco national team, replacing Vahid Halilhodžić, and led the team to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first African nation to do so.
Awards and Recognition
2023
Regragui was named the CAF Coach of the Year and the Africa d'Or African Coach of the Year, recognizing his outstanding achievements in leading Morocco to historic success.
Continued Success
Present
Regragui continues to lead the Morocco national team, aiming to build on the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and guide the team to further achievements in international football.
