Botola Pro
The Botola Pro, officially known as the Botola Pro Inwi for sponsorship reasons, is the premier professional association football league in Morocco, serving as the highest tier of the country's football league system.[1][2] It features 16 teams that compete in a double round-robin format, with each club playing the others twice—once at home and once away—for a total of 30 matches per season, determining the national champion and qualification for continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.[1][3] The league is organized by the Ligue Nationale de Football Professionnel (LNFP) under the oversight of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which governs promotion and relegation mechanics, including the bottom two teams directly descending to Botola Pro 2, the 13th- and 14th-placed teams entering playoffs against the 3rd- and 4th-placed teams from Botola Pro 2, while the top two from the second division are directly promoted.[2][3] Established in 1956, coinciding with Morocco's independence, the Botola Pro has evolved from its origins as the Moroccan Championship into a professionalized competition that reflects the nation's deep passion for football.[2][4] Over the decades, it has become a vital platform for developing talent, contributing significantly to Morocco's national team successes, including their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.[5] The league's format was modernized in the early 2010s to emphasize professionalism, with the introduction of the "Botola Pro" branding in 2011 to align with international standards and attract greater investment.[3] Renowned as one of Africa's most competitive domestic leagues, the Botola Pro draws large crowds and fosters intense rivalries among historic clubs like Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and AS FAR, while also serving as a gateway for Moroccan players to European transfers.[5][4] Despite challenges such as financial disparities and infrastructure needs, recent FRMF rules require Botola Pro clubs to have certified stadiums and training grounds within the same prefecture, bolstered by Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.[6]History
Origins and early development (1916–1959)
Football in Morocco traces its origins to the early 20th century during the French Protectorate established in 1912, when European settlers and local elites introduced the sport through the formation of amateur clubs. One of the earliest documented clubs was Union Sportive de Safi, founded in 1900 in the coastal city of Safi, initially as a multi-sport association that included football activities. Other pioneers emerged soon after, such as Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès in 1911, which became a symbol of Moroccan participation in the sport amid colonial rule. In the Tangier region, under Spanish influence and later the International Zone from 1923, clubs like Indian Football Club Tanger were established around 1917, reflecting the diverse colonial impacts on football's spread. These early teams were predominantly amateur, often organized by expatriates, military personnel, and educated Moroccans, laying the groundwork for organized play despite limited resources and segregation between European and indigenous groups.[7] Colonial authorities played a pivotal role in structuring football during the 1920s and 1940s, using it as a tool for social control and cultural assimilation while fostering regional competitions. The French administration organized the Ligue du Protectorat Français au Maroc, an amateur league that began informal operations around 1916, shortly after the protectorate's inception, featuring matches among clubs in major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fès. By the 1930s, this evolved into structured regional divisions, such as the 1930/31 season's quarterfinals involving teams like USM Casablanca and US Fès, which highlighted growing participation but remained confined to colonial oversight. Spanish zones in the north, including Tangier and Tetouan, developed parallel leagues under their own protectorates, with events like the Campeonato del Maphreb Español promoting local talent. These competitions were amateur in nature, emphasizing physical fitness and loyalty to colonial structures, yet they inadvertently built a foundation for Moroccan football identity, with indigenous clubs challenging European dominance on the pitch.[8][9] Post-World War II, football experienced rapid growth in Morocco, fueled by returning soldiers, urbanization, and rising nationalist sentiments, leading to expanded club formations and intensified rivalries. The sport's popularity surged in urban centers, with new teams like Wydad Athletic Club (founded 1937) and Raja Club Athletic (founded 1949) in Casablanca embodying Moroccan resistance to colonial rule through athletic prowess. This era saw the origins of the iconic Casablanca Derby, with the first competitive matches between Wydad and Raja occurring in the early 1950s, culminating in a landmark 1-0 victory for Raja in 1956 that symbolized emerging national unity. Inter-regional tournaments also emerged, such as preliminary cups bridging northern and southern zones, which tested top clubs across protectorates and heightened excitement ahead of independence. These developments attracted larger crowds and media attention, transforming football from a colonial pastime into a platform for cultural expression.[7] Morocco's independence on March 2, 1956, marked a turning point, ending the French Protectorate and enabling the unification of fragmented football structures. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was established later that year, in 1956, to oversee national governance, succeeding colonial leagues and integrating clubs from French, Spanish, and international zones. This paved the way for the first attempt at a national championship in the 1956-57 season, organized under the new federation's auspices as an informal precursor to the Botola. Wydad Casablanca emerged victorious, defeating Kawkab Marrakech to claim the inaugural title, underscoring the transition from regional amateur play to a cohesive national framework.[10][11][12]Establishment and initial seasons (1959–1970)
The Botola, Morocco's premier professional football league, was officially established under the oversight of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for the 1959–60 season, marking the formalization of a national top-tier competition following the country's independence in 1956. This inaugural season featured 10 founding teams, including prominent clubs such as Kénitra Athletic Club (KAC), Forces Armées Royales (FAR) Rabat, Raja Club Athletic Casablanca, Wydad Athletic Club Casablanca, FUS Rabat, Mouloudia Club Oujda, Maghreb Association Sportive Fès, Racing Athletic Club Casablanca, Union Sportive Marocaine Casablanca, and Jeunesse Sportive des Jeunes Souissi Rabat. The league adopted a double round-robin format, with each team playing 18 matches, emphasizing competitive balance without an initial relegation system to stabilize the early structure.[13][14] Kénitra Athletic Club emerged as the first champions in 1959–60, clinching the title after a playoff triangle involving themselves, FAR Rabat, and Raja Casablanca, who had tied on points at the end of the regular season; KAC defeated FAR 3–1 in the decisive match to secure the honor. The following season, 1960–61, saw the introduction of relegation, adding stakes to the bottom of the table and promoting merit-based progression from lower divisions, which helped foster deeper competitive dynamics across Moroccan football. FAR Rabat quickly asserted dominance, winning back-to-back titles in 1960–61 and 1961–62, before extending their streak to claim the 1962–63 championship as well, highlighting the rise of military-backed clubs in the league's formative years.[14][15] The period also witnessed the intensification of the storied Casablanca Derby rivalry between Raja and Wydad, two of the league's flagship clubs, whose intense matches drew significant crowds and media attention, underscoring the cultural significance of football in post-independence Morocco. In 1962–63, the league expanded to 12 teams, incorporating additions like Kawkab Athletic Club Marrakech and Stade Marocain Casablanca, which increased the total matches per season to 22 and broadened regional representation. This growth, coupled with FAR Rabat's third consecutive title that year—defying expectations as an emerging force against established Casablanca sides—solidified the Botola's role as a unifying national institution, though Wydad reclaimed the crown in 1965–66 and 1968–69 amid shifting competitive tides.[16][15]Expansion and rivalries (1971–1995)
In the early 1970s, the Botola Pro underwent significant structural changes to accommodate growing participation in Moroccan football. The league expanded to 16 teams for the 1971–72 season, shifting from previous formats that included regional groupings to a standardized home-and-away double round-robin system, where each team played the others twice for a total of 30 matches per club. This adjustment aimed to increase competitiveness and fairness across the expanding pool of clubs.[15] This era marked a diversification in league success, with eight different clubs claiming the title between 1971 and 1995, contrasting the earlier dominance of just two teams. Olympique Club de Khouribga broke through with the 1970–71 championship, leveraging strong defensive play to secure their first national honor. KAC Marrakech followed in 1972–73, capitalizing on home advantage in key fixtures to edge out rivals. Other emerging powers included Raja Beni Mellal (1973–74), COD Meknès (1974–75 and 1994–95), Racing de Casablanca (1971–72), Olympique de Casablanca (1975–76 and 1993–94), and RS Berkane (1982–83), each contributing to a more balanced competitive landscape that highlighted regional talent beyond Casablanca-based sides.[15][17][18] Rivalries intensified as the league grew, extending beyond the established Casablanca Derby between Raja CA and Wydad AC to include prominent derbies in other cities. In Fès, the local derby between Maghreb Association Sportive (MAS Fès) and Wydad Fès became a focal point of regional pride, drawing large crowds and fostering intense local support during the 1970s and 1980s. Similarly, the Rabat Derby—pitting AS FAR against FUS Rabat—emerged as a key fixture in the capital, often deciding mid-table positioning and embodying military versus civilian club traditions, with matches frequently featuring high stakes and passionate atmospheres. These rivalries added depth to the league's narrative, promoting fan engagement across Morocco.[19][20] The 1980s brought periods of instability, characterized by frequent changes in league size and heightened relegation pressures, with 3 to 4 teams dropping annually in some seasons to manage participation fluctuations and maintain quality. This volatility stemmed from uneven club resources and administrative challenges within the Moroccan Football Federation. To address these issues, early attempts at club professionalization emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, including efforts to introduce player contracts and basic financial structures, though full implementation remained limited by economic constraints in post-independence Morocco. These initiatives laid groundwork for future reforms but were hampered by reliance on amateur models and sporadic sponsorships.[15][21] Wydad AC won the 1992–93 title via the league standings. Overall, the period from 1971 to 1995 solidified the Botola Pro as a multifaceted national competition, driven by expansion, varied winners, and evolving rivalries.[15][17]Dominance eras (1996–2011)
The period from 1996 to 2011 marked a phase of pronounced dominance by Raja Casablanca in the Botola, characterized by an unprecedented streak of six consecutive league titles from the 1995–96 season through the 2000–01 season, elevating the club to a total of eight championships within this timeframe. This era solidified Raja's status as the preeminent force in Moroccan football, with their 1995–96 triumph initiating a run that showcased tactical discipline and squad depth under coaches like Oscar Fullone and René Simões. The club's success was further highlighted by their conquest of the 1999 CAF Champions League, which not only boosted morale but also enhanced their domestic performances by attracting higher-caliber talent and increasing fan engagement, contributing to sustained league supremacy.[15][22] Intermittent challenges disrupted Raja's hegemony, notably from rivals Wydad Casablanca, who secured the title in the 2001–02 season to break the streak and again in 2009–10 amid a more competitive landscape. Other clubs, including FAR Rabat with two titles (2004–05 and 2007–08) and Olympique Khouribga's win in 2006–07, provided sporadic resistance, reflecting a gradual broadening of contention despite Raja's overarching control. The introduction of a playoff system in the 2008–09 season for determining the champion added a layer of intensity, culminating in Raja's victory that year. These challenges underscored the era's rivalries, building on longstanding derbies from prior decades.[15][22] Key structural adjustments and administrative hurdles shaped the league's evolution during this time, including the contraction to 16 teams by the early 2000s to streamline competition and improve quality, following a period of expansion. The 2000s also saw FRMF-led reforms aimed at addressing governance issues, such as financial irregularities and officiating concerns, though persistent corruption allegations in match outcomes occasionally tarnished proceedings and prompted calls for greater transparency. African continental achievements, like Raja's 1999 and 2002 CAF triumphs, often correlated with dips or peaks in domestic form due to fixture congestion, yet ultimately reinforced the league's prestige by highlighting Moroccan clubs' growing international stature. Total goals across seasons frequently exceeded 700, with high-scoring campaigns like 2002–03 averaging over 2.5 goals per match, emphasizing the era's attacking flair amid these dynamics.[23][15]Modern professional era (2011–present)
In 2011, the Moroccan top-flight league underwent a significant rebranding to Botola Pro 1, establishing it as a fully professional competition and marking the start of a modern era with improved standards and governance.[24] This transition aimed to enhance commercialization and attract greater investment, building on the league's historical foundations while introducing stricter professional regulations for clubs and players. Initially sponsored by Maroc Telecom, the league's visibility increased through this partnership until 2019. The format stabilized with 16 teams participating in a double round-robin system, where each club plays 30 matches—home and away against every opponent—culminating in a final standings table to determine the champion. Starting from the 2017–18 season, a playoff system was introduced for the top teams to decide the title, adding intensity to the competition's conclusion and promoting closer contests among elite clubs.[25] In 2020, telecommunications company Inwi secured a multi-year sponsorship deal worth 15 million dirhams annually, rebranding the league as Botola Pro Inwi and further boosting its marketing and broadcasting efforts.[26] The era has been characterized by competitive balance, with Wydad Casablanca emerging as the dominant force, securing six titles between the 2014–15 and 2022–23 seasons through consistent performances and strong squad depth.[22] Raja Club Athletic has maintained its rivalry and success, claiming three championships in this period, including the 2019–20 and 2023–24 seasons. RS Berkane won their first title in the 2024–25 season.[27][25] The 2020–21 season was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to suspensions, postponed fixtures, and all remaining games played without spectators to comply with health protocols.[28] Technological advancements have also shaped the league, with video assistant referee (VAR) technology gradually introduced from the 2019–20 season and achieving full integration by 2025, improving decision-making accuracy in high-stakes matches.[29] This period reflects ongoing efforts to professionalize Moroccan football, fostering rivalries like the Casablanca Derby while adapting to global challenges and innovations.League Organization
Competition format
The Botola Pro consists of 16 teams that compete in a double round-robin format, playing each other twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 30 matches per team over the course of the season.[3] Teams earn 3 points for a victory, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a defeat, with the club accumulating the highest total points crowned as league champion.[30] In cases of tied points, rankings are determined first by head-to-head results between the tied teams, followed by goal difference, number of wins, and goals scored if necessary.[30] The league operates on a standard seasonal schedule that begins in late August and concludes in late May, allowing for a full calendar year of competition while aligning with international fixtures and domestic cup events.[4] A mandatory winter break typically occurs from mid-December to early January, pausing matches due to inclement weather and holiday observances in Morocco.[4] Disciplinary measures include a fair play table that tracks yellow and red cards to promote sportsmanship, with potential point deductions applied for severe incidents such as fan violence or repeated rule violations as determined by the Moroccan Royal Football Federation.[31]Promotion and relegation
The Botola Pro maintains a promotion and relegation system with Botola 2 to ensure competitive balance across Moroccan professional football divisions. At the end of each season, the two teams finishing in the bottom two positions of the Botola Pro league table are directly relegated to Botola 2.[32][33] Starting from the 2024–25 season, a new playoff mechanism was introduced to determine an additional relegation spot. The team in 13th place in Botola Pro contests a promotion/relegation playoff against the third-placed team from Botola 2. This playoff is played over two legs, with the aggregate winner earning (or retaining) a place in the following Botola Pro season; the loser is relegated (or remains in) Botola 2.[33] On the promotion side, the top two teams from Botola 2 are directly promoted to Botola Pro, while the third-placed team contests a two-legged promotion/relegation playoff against the 13th-placed team from Botola Pro; the aggregate winner secures a place in Botola Pro. Promoted clubs must satisfy FRMF criteria, including a homologated stadium meeting minimum standards and fulfillment of licensing requirements for financial and administrative compliance.[32] In the 2024–25 season, Moghreb Tétouan and Chabab Mohammedia were directly relegated to Botola 2, while JS Soualem faced relegation after losing the playoff. This marked the debut of the expanded playoff system, increasing vertical mobility between the tiers. Historically, the structure has evolved from a single direct relegation in the league's formative years before the 1980s to the current multi-team format amid expansions to 16 clubs.[33]Qualification for continental competitions
The qualification for continental competitions from the Botola Pro is determined by the performance in the league and the Moroccan Throne Cup, with slots allocated based on Morocco's position in the CAF 5-year association ranking. As one of the top 12 associations with 138 points in the 2025 ranking, Morocco receives two entries to the CAF Champions League and two to the CAF Confederation Cup.[34] The league champion and runner-up qualify for the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League. The winner of the Moroccan Throne Cup qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round (second qualifying round), with the league's third-placed team filling the second Confederation Cup slot at the second qualifying round; priority is given to the cup winner over league position if overlaps occur.[4] The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) handles nominations, submitting qualified teams to CAF by early July following the season's conclusion in May, ensuring compliance with registration deadlines for preliminary rounds starting in August or September. If a team qualifies for both competitions, it must choose one, with the vacated spot reallocated based on league standings or cup performance—for instance, the 2024–25 season saw RS Berkane (league champions) and AS FAR (runners-up) enter the Champions League second qualifying round, while OC Safi (Throne Cup winners) and Wydad AC (third in league) advanced to the Confederation Cup second qualifying round.[35][33] Prior to the 2017–18 season, qualification paths were simpler, with top teams entering earlier rounds of the Confederation Cup; the introduction of a dedicated play-off round for cup winners from high-ranking associations like Morocco streamlined access to the group stage, rewarding domestic success while aligning with CAF's expanded format. For the 2024–25 season, Morocco's allocations remained at two slots each, reflecting its strong coefficient from recent club performances in African competitions.Clubs and Seasons
Current season (2024–25)
The 2024–25 Botola Pro season commenced on 30 August 2024 and ran until 31 May 2025, comprising 16 teams in a round-robin format where each side played 30 matches. The league welcomed two promoted teams from the 2023–24 Botola 2: COD Meknès, who topped the second division with 58 points, and Difaâ El Jadidi, who secured second place with 52 points. Raja Casablanca entered as defending champions from the prior campaign. RS Berkane emerged as champions for the first time in their history, securing the title with 70 points and qualifying for the 2025–26 CAF Champions League. AS FAR Rabat finished second with 57 points, also earning a Champions League spot, while Wydad Casablanca took third place with 54 points, advancing to the CAF Confederation Cup. The bottom of the table saw Moghreb Tétouan and Chabab Mohammédia relegated directly to Botola 2, with JS Soualem dropping via play-offs.| Position | Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS Berkane | 70 | 30 |
| 2 | AS FAR Rabat | 57 | 30 |
| 3 | Wydad Casablanca | 54 | 30 |
| 4 | FUS Rabat | 53 | 30 |
| 5 | Raja Casablanca | 48 | 30 |
Historical clubs
The Botola Pro has been shaped by a core group of enduring clubs that have dominated its history since the league's inception in 1959, with three teams—Raja Club Athletic, Wydad Athletic Club, and AS FAR—standing out as the only ones never to have been relegated from the top flight. These clubs, rooted in Morocco's urban centers, have collectively won the majority of league titles and embody the competitive spirit of Moroccan football. Their longevity and success reflect strong institutional support, passionate fanbases, and consistent performance in both domestic and continental competitions. Raja Club Athletic, based in Casablanca, was founded on March 20, 1949, by a group of Moroccan nationalists seeking to promote local sports amid colonial influences. Known as the "Green Eagles" for their emblematic bird and vibrant green kit colors symbolizing hope and national pride, Raja has secured 13 Botola titles, with notable victories including the 2023–24 season's unbeaten campaign. The club has experienced zero relegations and multiple promotions in its early years before stabilizing in the elite division, contributing to its status as a symbol of popular support in Moroccan football. Wydad Athletic Club, also from Casablanca and established on May 8, 1937, by a collective of intellectuals and athletes, wears red and white kits and is nicknamed the "Red Devils" for its fierce playing style and devoted supporters. Wydad holds the record with 22 Botola championships, the most recent in 2021–22, and like Raja, has never faced relegation, with its foundational promotions dating back to the pre-independence era. AS FAR, or the Royal Armed Forces club from Rabat, was created in 1958 as a military-affiliated team to foster discipline and national unity through sport; it competes in green and red attire without a prominent nickname but is renowned for its disciplined approach. With 13 league titles, including four consecutive wins from 1961 to 1964, FAR has also avoided relegation entirely, establishing itself as a powerhouse in the capital. Beyond these pillars, the Botola Pro's history includes clubs from diverse regions, with Casablanca historically hosting the most participants—around six major teams over the decades, including defunct or diminished entities like Union Sportive Marocaine (three titles before 1958) and Olympique Club de Casablanca (one title in 1994). Rabat follows with clubs such as FUS Rabat, while Fès is represented by Maghreb Association Sportive (four titles), and Marrakech by Kawkab Athletic Club, which has earned promotions and occasional top-flight stints since the 1950s. This distribution underscores the league's evolution from urban-centric competitions to broader national representation, though northern and southern clubs have often faced challenges in sustaining elite status. Among long-term absentees, AS Salé stands as a notable example of a club that participated in the Botola but has since faded from the top tier. Founded in 1928 in the city of Salé near Rabat, the club—known for its blue and white colors—competed in the league until the 2009–10 season, achieving a third-place finish in 2003–04 before relegation and subsequent struggles in lower divisions, with no returns to Botola Pro since. Other historical participants, like Racing Athletic Club de Casablanca, which disbanded in the 1960s after early successes, highlight the league's transitional nature, where mergers and declines have reshaped the roster over time.| Club | Founding Year | Botola Titles | Colors | Nickname | Relegations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Club Athletic | 1949 | 13 | Green | Green Eagles | 0 |
| Wydad Athletic Club | 1937 | 22 | Red and white | Red Devils | 0 |
| AS FAR Rabat | 1958 | 13 | Green and red | N/A | 0 |
All-time league table (since 2011)
The all-time league table for Botola Pro since its professionalization in 2011 provides a comprehensive overview of team performances across 14 seasons (2011–12 to 2024–25), ranked by total points. Points are awarded with three for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss, aggregating matches played, results, and goal statistics. This period marks increased competitiveness compared to the pre-2011 era, where dominance by a few clubs was more pronounced; post-2011, greater parity has emerged due to professional structures, financial regulations, and youth development, though Wydad AC and Raja CA remain dominant.| Pos | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Diff. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wydad AC | 420 | 219 | 129 | 72 | Not specified | Not specified | +266 | 786 |
| 2 | Raja CA | 420 | 209 | 133 | 78 | Not specified | Not specified | +262 | 760 |
| 3 | AS FAR | 420 | 182 | 136 | 102 | Not specified | Not specified | +161 | 682 |
| 4 | FUS Rabat | 420 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| 5 | Olympic Club de Safi | 380 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 20 | Chabab Mohammedia | 150 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | 129 |
Venues
Current stadiums
The Botola Pro clubs in the 2025–26 season utilize a range of modern and historic stadiums across Morocco as their primary home venues, reflecting the league's national footprint from coastal cities to inland centers. These facilities accommodate passionate fan bases, with capacities designed to host competitive matches under the Moroccan Football Federation's standards. The average stadium capacity in the league stands at approximately 25,500, enabling robust attendance while prioritizing safety and infrastructure quality.[36]| Club | Stadium | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS FAR | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium | Rabat | 68,700 |
| Chabab Mohammédia | Stade El Bachir | Mohammedia | 25,000 |
| FUS Rabat | Kenitra Municipal Stadium (temporary) | Kenitra | 28,000 |
| Hassania Agadir | Stade Adrar | Agadir | 45,480 |
| IR Tanger | Stade Ibn Batouta | Tangier | 65,000 |
| JS Soualem | Stade Pétrolière de Salé | Salé | 12,000 |
| Moghreb Tétouan | Stade Saniat Rmel | Tétouan | 15,000 |
| Maghreb de Fès | Fez Stadium (post-2025 renovation) | Fez | 45,000 |
| Olympique Khouribga | Stade Complexe Al-Fidawi | Khouribga | 10,000 |
| Olympique Safi | Stade El Massira | Safi | 15,000 |
| Raja CA | Stade Mohammed V | Casablanca | 67,000 |
| Raja CA Zemamra | Stade Ahmed Zahir | Zemamra | 5,000 |
| RS Berkane | Stade Municipal de Berkane | Berkane | 10,000 |
| SCC Mohammédia | Stade El Bachir | Mohammedia | 25,000 |
| Wydad AC | Stade Mohammed V | Casablanca | 67,000 |
| Wydad de Fès | Honneur Stadium | Fes | 12,000 |
Historical and other stadiums
The Larbi Benbarek Stadium, originally known as Stade Philip, was a prominent venue in Casablanca for Botola matches from the 1950s onward, serving as the home ground for Wydad Casablanca until the completion of Stade Mohamed V in 1955.[4] It hosted significant early rivalries, including the inaugural Casablanca derby on February 10, 1957, where Raja Casablanca defeated Wydad 1-0.[47] The stadium, with its Brutalist extensions added later, fell into disuse and abandonment by the early 2000s due to maintenance issues, though it remains a symbol of Moroccan football's post-independence era.[48] The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, constructed in 1983 with an initial capacity of around 65,000, underwent a complete demolition in 2023 owing to safety concerns, outdated infrastructure, and the need for modernization ahead of international events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.[49] Rebuilt in just two years at a cost of approximately $530 million, it reopened in September 2025 with a capacity of 68,700, featuring UEFA Category 4 compliance, advanced floodlighting, and sustainable design elements.[45] During the reconstruction period from 2023 to 2025, Rabat clubs such as FUS Rabat and AS FAR temporarily relocated their Botola home games to alternative facilities like Stade Larbi Zaouli and Stade Olympique de Rabat, ensuring continuity amid the disruptions.[50] Multi-purpose venues have also played a role in Botola history, with the Complexe Sportif de Fès—built in 2003 as part of a broader sports development initiative—serving as a key site for league matches and other events, accommodating up to 45,000 spectators with its synthetic turf and auxiliary fields.[51] This facility, used by clubs like Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès, exemplifies the integration of football with athletics and community activities in Moroccan infrastructure.[52] Additionally, auxiliary grounds such as the secondary pitches at various complexes have supported reserve team fixtures and training for Botola clubs, highlighting the league's reliance on versatile sites beyond primary arenas.Champions and Records
List of champions
The Botola Pro, Morocco's premier professional football league, has been contested annually since the 1959–60 season, initially under the name of the First Division before being rebranded in 2010–11. Over 66 seasons through 2024–25, a total of 13 clubs have claimed the title, with Wydad AC holding the record at 22 victories. The league has featured no shared titles or regular playoffs for the championship, though qualification for continental competitions has occasionally involved additional matches in later years. The following table summarizes the winners, runners-up, and key notes for each season, including unbeaten campaigns where applicable.[15][53]| Season | Champion | Runners-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959–60 | KAC Kénitra | FAR Rabat | First edition; KAC's inaugural title |
| 1960–61 | FAR Rabat | MAS Fès | |
| 1961–62 | FAR Rabat | Raja Casablanca | FAR's second consecutive title |
| 1962–63 | FAR Rabat | KAC Marrakech | FAR's third consecutive title |
| 1963–64 | FAR Rabat | Stade Marocain | FAR's fourth consecutive title |
| 1964–65 | MAS Fès | Racing Casablanca | |
| 1965–66 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1966–67 | FAR Rabat | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1967–68 | FAR Rabat | MAS Fès | FAR's second consecutive title |
| 1968–69 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1969–70 | FAR Rabat | US Sidi Kacem | |
| 1970–71 | RS Settat | FAR Rabat | |
| 1971–72 | Racing Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1972–73 | KAC Kénitra | FUS Rabat | |
| 1973–74 | Raja Beni Mellal | FUS Rabat | |
| 1974–75 | MC Oujda | MAS Fès | |
| 1975–76 | WAC Casablanca | DHJ El Jadida | |
| 1976–77 | WAC Casablanca | MC Oujda | WAC's second consecutive title |
| 1977–78 | WAC Casablanca | FAR Rabat | WAC's third consecutive title |
| 1978–79 | SCC Mohammédia | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1979–80 | SCC Mohammédia | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1980–81 | KAC Kénitra | FUS Rabat | |
| 1981–82 | KAC Kénitra | WAC Casablanca | KAC's second consecutive title |
| 1982–83 | MAS Fès | OC Khouribga | |
| 1983–84 | FAR Rabat | OC Khouribga | |
| 1984–85 | MAS Fès | KAC Kénitra | |
| 1985–86 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1986–87 | FAR Rabat | KAC Kénitra | |
| 1987–88 | Raja Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1988–89 | FAR Rabat | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1989–90 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1990–91 | WAC Casablanca | FAR Rabat | WAC's second consecutive title |
| 1991–92 | KAC Marrakech | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1992–93 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1993–94 | Olympique Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | |
| 1994–95 | COD Meknès | Raja Casablanca | |
| 1995–96 | Raja Casablanca | FAR Rabat | |
| 1996–97 | Raja Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | Raja's second consecutive title |
| 1997–98 | Raja Casablanca | KAC Marrakech | Raja's third consecutive title |
| 1998–99 | Raja Casablanca | KAC Marrakech | Raja's fourth consecutive title |
| 1999–00 | Raja Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | Raja's fifth consecutive title |
| 2000–01 | Raja Casablanca | FUS Rabat | Raja's sixth consecutive title |
| 2001–02 | Hassania Agadir | WAC Casablanca | |
| 2002–03 | Hassania Agadir | Raja Casablanca | HAS's second consecutive title |
| 2003–04 | Raja Casablanca | FAR Rabat | |
| 2004–05 | FAR Rabat | WAC Casablanca | |
| 2005–06 | WAC Casablanca | FAR Rabat | |
| 2006–07 | OC Khouribga | FAR Rabat | |
| 2007–08 | FAR Rabat | IZ Khemisset | |
| 2008–09 | Raja Casablanca | DHJ El Jadida | |
| 2009–10 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 2010–11 | Raja Casablanca | MAS Fès | First season under Botola Pro name |
| 2011–12 | Moghreb Tétouan | FUS Rabat | |
| 2012–13 | Raja Casablanca | FAR Rabat | |
| 2013–14 | Moghreb Tétouan | Raja Casablanca | MAT's second title |
| 2014–15 | WAC Casablanca | OC Khouribga | |
| 2015–16 | FUS Rabat | WAC Casablanca | |
| 2016–17 | WAC Casablanca | DHJ El Jadida | |
| 2017–18 | Ittihad Tanger | RS Berkane | |
| 2018–19 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | |
| 2019–20 | Raja Casablanca | WAC Casablanca | Season curtailed due to COVID-19 |
| 2020–21 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | WAC's second consecutive title |
| 2021–22 | WAC Casablanca | Raja Casablanca | WAC's third consecutive title |
| 2022–23 | AS FAR | WAC Casablanca | |
| 2023–24 | Raja Casablanca | AS FAR | Unbeaten season (first in league history)[54] |
| 2024–25 | RS Berkane | FAR Rabat | RSB's first title |
Performance by club and region
Wydad Athletic Club holds the record for the most Botola Pro titles with 22, followed by AS FAR Rabat and Raja Club Athletic with 13 each.[55][56][57] Other notable clubs include Maghreb Fès with 4 titles and Kénitra Athletic Club with 4. Prior to the league's rebranding as Botola Pro in 2011, Wydad secured 17 championships, Raja 10, and AS FAR 12, reflecting the early dominance of Casablanca and Rabat-based teams. Since 2011 (from 2011–12 season), the distribution has been more varied, with Wydad winning 5, Raja 3, AS FAR 1, and several other clubs including FUS Rabat (1), Moghreb Atlético Tétouan (2), Ittihad Tanger (1), and RS Berkane (1) claiming their first titles.[25]| Club | Total Titles | Pre-2011 | Post-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wydad AC | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| Raja CA | 13 | 10 | 3 |
| AS FAR Rabat | 13 | 12 | 1 |
| Maghreb Fès | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Kénitra AC | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Olympique Khouribga | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Others (e.g., FUS Rabat, RS Berkane) | 13 | 10 | 3 |
Player records (since 2011)
Since the professionalization of the league in 2011, Botola Pro has witnessed remarkable individual performances, particularly in goal-scoring, where Moroccan forwards have dominated the record books. The all-time leading scorer is Mouhssine Iajour, a centre-forward who amassed 84 goals across multiple clubs during his career in the league.[60] Close behind is Zakaria Hadraf with 73 goals as a left winger, primarily for Raja Casablanca and other teams, while Mehdi Naghmi follows with 66 goals as a prolific striker.[60] Ayoub El Kaabi stands out among more recent contributors, having scored 57 goals for clubs like RS Berkane and Wydad Casablanca before moving abroad, including a league-leading 18 goals in the 2020–21 season.[61] Walid Azarou, another key figure, netted over 50 goals in Botola Pro stints with Wydad and RS Berkane, highlighted by his 15-goal haul in the 2016–17 campaign. Seasonal top scorers have often exceeded 20 goals, underscoring the competitive nature of the league's attack. For instance, in the 2018–19 season, Mouhssine Iajour claimed the honor with 21 goals for RS Berkane, earning the official top scorer prize awarded by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation since 2012.[62] Other notable winners include Ayoub El Kaabi (18 goals in 2020–21 for Wydad Casablanca) and Kodjo Laba (19 goals in 2022–23 for RS Berkane), with the award recognizing the highest regular-season tally.[62] These achievements tie into broader individual honors, as top scorers frequently contribute to club success in domestic and continental competitions. In terms of longevity, Zakaria El Omari holds the record for most appearances since 2011, with over 250 games primarily as a defender for Wydad Casablanca, exemplifying the endurance required in the league's physical demands.[63] For creative play, assists leaders like Amine Zouhzouh have been pivotal in recent years, recording 10 in the 2023–24 season alone for AS FAR Rabat, though all-time totals are led by midfielders such as Zakaria Hadraf with 50 career assists in Botola Pro.[64] Notable milestones include hat-tricks, with at least 15 recorded since 2011, often in high-scoring matches that highlight offensive flair; for example, Abderrazak Hamdallah achieved one in 2017 for AS FAR.[65] The youngest goalscorer in league history is a 16-year-old Moroccan talent who netted in 2015 for Olympique Khouribga, marking the emergence of youth pathways.[66] Demographically, approximately 80% of players in Botola Pro since 2011 have been Moroccan nationals, with foreigners from West Africa and Europe comprising the rest, fostering a blend of local talent and international experience.[67]| All-Time Top Scorers (Since 2011) | Goals | Primary Club(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Mouhssine Iajour | 84 | RS Berkane, Wydad Casablanca |
| Zakaria Hadraf | 73 | Raja Casablanca |
| Mehdi Naghmi | 66 | AS FAR Rabat |
| Ayoub El Kaabi | 57 | RS Berkane, Wydad Casablanca |
| Walid Azarou | 50+ | Wydad Casablanca, RS Berkane |