The "Blacks and Roosters" summit puts "Moroccans in France" to the test of heart and belonging.
The feelings of the Moroccan community in France differ regarding the World Cup quarter-final match between love for the motherland and the country of residence, creating a conflict between two identities. However, testimonies collected by Hespress confirm that "the heart is with the Atlas Lions."
French media published the feelings of French citizens of Moroccan descent (French-Moroccans) before the match, through personal testimonies reflecting the emotional division between the two countries. Most speakers agreed that the match is not just a sporting event, but represents a confrontation between two identities and affiliations that are complementary for them; many likened the choice between the two teams to "choosing between father and mother," affirming that they feel pride for both countries and do not wish to abandon either.
The position of French-Moroccan comedian Jamel Debbouze emerged after a question posed to him by singer Louane during a television interview on "BFMTV": "Do you support France or Morocco?" He indicated through his reaction that the question put him in an awkward position due to his emotional ties to both countries, as he holds both French and Moroccan citizenship.
According to the same source, Debbouze avoided giving a definitive answer, affirming that he hopes both teams continue their journey in the tournament. He stated that he sees the French team as capable of reaching the final, and he believes that Morocco can also go far in the competition, even wishing for a final that brings the two teams together, describing it as an "ideal final."
It is worth noting that during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Debbouze wore a shirt that represented both Morocco and France during the semi-final match.
Suleiman Saadlawy, a Moroccan truck driver residing in France, said that "true joy cannot be complete or expressed publicly with the French, but that sincere and shared joy is with the Moroccans after the victory of the Lions."