Rabat – Real Mallorca celebrated their Moroccan legend Badou Zaki last weekend — the goalkeeper who etched his name in gold in the Spanish club’s history during the 1980s.
Zaki led the team to their first-ever Copa del Rey final in 1991, in a journey that remains etched in the memory of Spanish football fans, particularly Moroccans.
The tribute ceremony took place in an emotional atmosphere at the Son Moix Stadium.
The club’s three current goalkeepers — Greif, Leo Roman, and Cuellar — presented Zaki with a framed commemorative jersey.
The Moroccan ex-goalkeeper received warm applause from the crowd, especially from longtime fans who witnessed his golden era with the club.
Zaki joined Mallorca in 1986 following his standout performance in the Mexico World Cup, on the recommendation of his compatriot Hassan Fadel, who had joined the club a season earlier.
Despite initial adaptation challenges, particularly playing under night lights which he wasn’t accustomed to, he quickly shone in La Liga.
He soon became one of the top goalkeepers in the first division, helping the team achieve their best-ever position at that time — sixth place in the 1986-1987 season.
Read also: FIFA Poll: Morocco’s Badou Zaki Best African Goalkeeper in History
Zaki left the club midway through the 1991-1992 season, replaced by Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea.
He then retired from playing and began a long coaching career that led him to manage the Moroccan national team on multiple occasions. Zaki has also coached the Sudan and Niger national teams, currently heading the latter at age 66.
Beyond his brilliant career in Spanish football, Zaki remains one of the figures who carried the torch for Moroccan football internationally.
Zaki carved out a special place for himself both on and off the pitch, thanks to his distinctive personality and illustrious professional career.
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