Moroccan women’s football has been plunged into mourning following the death of promising young footballer Faten Ben Amar El Azizi, who drowned while attempting to swim into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
The 20-year-old, who played for Maghreb Atlético Tetuán, was among over 60,000 young Moroccans who made the dangerous journey between July 30 and 31, hoping to reach Spain in search of better opportunities.
Sadly, Faten never made it across. She drowned in the waters leading to Ceuta, becoming one of dozens of people who lost their lives during the mass crossing.
Paying tribute to their late player, Maghreb Atlético Tetuán wrote:
“Her dream ended before it even began. She was not seeking fame or adventure, but rather a better life and a future she believed awaited her on the other side of the border. She was simply trying to open a new door for her future.”
The incident happened during an unprecedented movement of people towards Ceuta, with more than 60,000 Moroccans attempting to enter the Spanish enclave over the two-day period. Many chose the dangerous sea route, swimming through the waters with life jackets, while others tried to reach the territory by land.
The sea claimed many lives, with more than 60 people reported dead after drowning or losing their lives during the chaotic crossing.
Spanish authorities later moved to regain control of the situation, announcing plans to repatriate many of those who entered Ceuta. Videos shared online showed groups of Moroccan migrants being escorted back towards the border as security officials began returning people to Morocco.
