The president of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has expressed his “deep sorrow” following the passing of Ahmed Faras, a legendary figure in Moroccan football and the recipient of the 1975 African Ballon d’Or.
In a message shared on his official Instagram account, Infantino paid tribute to the memory of Morocco’s all-time top scorer, who also captained the national team to victory in the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Moroccan player Ahmed Faras,” wrote the head of world football’s governing body.
On behalf of FIFA and the entire footballing community, Infantino extended his “sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and to everyone at CAF. “Rest in peace,” he concluded.
Faras passed away on Wednesday in Mohammedia at the age of 78 after a long illness.
A national icon, Faras proudly represented Morocco and was one of the key architects of the Atlas Lions’ historic triumph at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 1975.
As a star striker for Chabab Mohammedia, the late Faras was crowned top scorer in the Moroccan league in 1969 and 1973 and twice lifted the Throne Cup, in 1972 and 1975.
In a message of condolences and compassion addressed to his family, His Majesty King Mohammed VI paid tribute to “one of the great icons of Moroccan football and the country’s all-time top scorer, that, thanks to his exceptional talent, helped raise the profile of Moroccan football on both the continental and international levels during the 1960s and 1970s.”
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