Morocco Jersey Becomes Globally Popular Behind Hakimi and World Cup Run

The History of the Morocco National Football Team Jersey

The Morocco national football team, nicknamed the Atlas Lions, has a long and storied history in international football. Their distinctive red jerseys with the iconic green pentagram have made them one of the most recognizable national teams in the world.

Origins of the Morocco Jersey

The origins of the Morocco kit design can be traced back to the 1940s when Morocco was still under French control. After World War 2, as Morocco began pushing for independence, the newly formed national team needed an identity. The red color was chosen to represent the bloodshed during the independence movement. The iconic green pentagram came from the Moroccan flag and symbolizes the Seal of Solomon, representing unity and peace.

Evolution of the Jersey Over the Years

While the colors and pentagram have remained constant, the Morocco kit has gone through evolutions in style and design over the decades. In the 1960s and 70s, Morocco wore simple red shirts and shorts, with basic green accents and trim. The 80s and 90s saw experimentation, with gradient shades of red, zigzag patterns and an emphasis on green striping.

In the 2000s, cleaner, more modern looks became standard. Thin green pinstripes over a plain red background was a common theme. The past decade has brought tighter-fitting athletic cuts and increasingly bold stylings of the green star and trim accents as Moroccan identity became more prominent in kit designs.

The 2022 Morocco World Cup Jersey

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco turned heads with their standout kits. The home jersey featured a vibrant red base with a chainlink mesh pattern containing the green Moroccan pentagrams. The away kit was white with a subtle green graphic print pattern.

Puma's Collaboration with the Morocco Team

The kits for the 2022 Morocco World Cup team were created through a collaboration between Puma and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. According to Puma, the designs blended modern technology with cultural touches celebrating Morocco’s identity and heritage.

The chainlink graphic pattern was included as a tribute to the metalwork of traditional Moroccan doors and architecture. This mesh design gave the shirts an iconic and fashionable style while symbolizing Moroccan craftsmanship and artistry.

Why the 2022 Kits Became So Popular

The 2022 Morocco jerseys made a huge splash both on the pitch and as a streetwear fashion item. Besides their stylish design, several factors catapulted these kits to popularity:

• Morocco's inspirational World Cup run to the semifinals
• Breakout performances by stars like Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi
• Support from celebrities, influencers and pro athletes around the world
• Appreciation for the intricate details celebrating Moroccan culture
• The bold red and green colors standing out on the global stage

As Morocco gained more fans with their groundbreaking World Cup play, the intricate and eye-catching Puma jerseys became one of the most sought-after items both for fans and fashionheads.

Achraf Hakimi's Influence on Morocco's Popularity

While many players contributed to Morocco's success, right-back Achraf Hakimi was one of the undisputed leaders and stars. His pace, skills, and spectacular goals made him a fan favorite around the world.

Hakimi's Standout Talent

Hakimi plays club football for European powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. But it was his performance for the Atlas Lions that cemented him as a household name. His stoppage time free kick goal to eliminate Spain made front pages globally.

Equally adept offensively and defensively thanks to his elite speed, Hakimi showcased his versatility throughout the tournament. After typically playing right wingback for PSG, he starred for Morocco as a true right back, left back, defensive mid and even right winger at times - excelling everywhere across the pitch.

How Hakimi Boosted Morocco's Profile

Besides his standout talent and versatile skill set, Hakimi's background and heritage also resonated as Morocco became fan favorites in Qatar. Born and raised in Spain to Moroccan parents, Hakimi's pride in his roots was evident any time he wore the national team jersey.

As one of the few Muslim-majority countries, Morocco also drew interest from across the Arab world. The fact that Hakimi chose to represent Morocco over his birth country of Spain bolstered the nation as the top African finisher gained more international supporters.

Hakimi's electrifying performances got people excited to watch Morocco play while also being eager to wear his #2 jersey as a symbol of this groundbreaking team's run that inspired underdogs everywhere.

FAQs

What made the 2022 Morocco kits so popular?

The stylish Puma design featuring a chainlink graphic print representing Moroccan culture, the team's inspirational World Cup run, standout stars like Hakimi, and vibrant red/green colors contributed to the kits' global popularity.

What was the meaning behind the chainlink pattern?

The chainlink graphic print was Puma's tribute to traditional Moroccan metalwork found on historic doors and architecture. It symbolized Moroccan artistry and craftsmanship.

How did Hakimi showcase his versatility?

Typically a right wingback for club team PSG, Hakimi starred for Morocco's national team at right back, left back, defensive midfield, right wing and across the pitch - excelling both offensively and defensively.

What resonance did Hakimi have with Morocco's World Cup run?

Born and raised in Spain to Moroccan immigrant parents, Hakimi choosing to represent Morocco over his birth country of Spain resonated with the team's underdog story and stood out as Morocco gained fans across the Arab world.

Where can I buy the authentic Morocco Hakimi jersey?

The authentic Nike-made Hakimi jerseys are available for purchase on sites like Kitbag and Soccer.com, along with authorized Puma retailers and select sports equipment stores worldwide.