Morocco strikes hard: a Real Madrid executive joins the Atlas Lions!

Morocco continues to make bold moves that are shaking up African football. After their remarkable success at the U20 World Cup and the senior national team’s growing dominance ahead of the 2026 African Cup of Nations, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has once again shown its ambition with a major off-pitch signing.

According to Marca, Morocco has recruited none other than Abián Perdomo, a respected figure within Real Madrid’s elite structure. Though not a player, Perdomo’s influence at the Spanish club has been significant. He served as the head of development, working closely between Real Madrid’s world-famous academy La Fábrica and the first team — a role that made him crucial in bridging the gap between youth and professional football.

This recruitment is not just another administrative appointment; it is a statement of intent. Morocco is not merely looking to participate in tournaments — they are preparing to dominate African and global football for years to come. Bringing in someone of Perdomo’s caliber underscores their long-term vision to establish the country as a powerhouse in player development and football structure.

Perdomo’s mission within the Moroccan Federation will focus on revolutionizing the training and scouting system. His task will be to strengthen the pathways for young Moroccan talents, ensuring that the next generation of Atlas Lions are not only skillful but also tactically intelligent, disciplined, and ready for international competition.

At Real Madrid, Perdomo earned a reputation for building one of Europe’s most efficient player transition systems. Many of Madrid’s recent academy graduates who now feature for the first team benefitted directly from his methodologies. Now, Morocco aims to replicate that same success on African soil. The idea is to turn Morocco into a hub of football excellence, where raw talent can be transformed into world-class professionals.

This move also fits perfectly within the FRMF’s broader strategic framework. Over the past few years, the federation has invested heavily in football infrastructure — from building state-of-the-art training centers to enhancing youth academies across the nation. With Perdomo’s expertise, Morocco’s dream of becoming the “Spain of Africa” in terms of football development is beginning to look increasingly realistic.

For Moroccan football, the timing couldn’t be better. The Atlas Lions are entering a golden era — their performances at the 2022 World Cup inspired millions, their youth teams continue to win continental titles, and now their structure is attracting European-level expertise. The inclusion of a Real Madrid executive like Perdomo is a sign that the FRMF is no longer satisfied with regional success; it is reaching for global recognition.

Perdomo himself reportedly expressed excitement about his new challenge, emphasizing his admiration for Morocco’s recent progress. “The passion here is incredible,” he is quoted as saying. “The talent is real, and the vision of the federation is clear. I’m here to help develop something sustainable — something that will last for generations.”

This partnership could also serve as a bridge between Morocco and elite European clubs. With Perdomo’s Madrid connections, young Moroccan players could benefit from new exposure, training collaborations, and even opportunities abroad. It’s a strategic advantage that could reshape the entire landscape of North African football.

As Morocco prepares for the upcoming African Cup of Nations and continues to nurture the next wave of stars, one thing is clear — the country’s ambitions go far beyond trophies. This is about legacy, innovation, and a blueprint for the future of African football.

By securing Abián Perdomo, Morocco has once again shown that its football revolution is not a temporary project — it’s a long-term mission to redefine African excellence on the global stage. The Atlas Lions have roared, and the world is listening.