The Moroccan national team jersey is one of the most recognizable in African football. Red at home since its origins, white away, it carries seventy years of football and national identity in its seams. In summary: Morocco has played in red since joining FIFA in 1956, with major evolutions each decade and a lasting partnership with Puma since the 2000s.
This article traces each major period of the Moroccan jersey: the first handmade outfits of independence, the glory years of the World Cups, the premiumization of the 2000s, and the contemporary designs that have transformed the Morocco jersey into a sought-after collector's item worldwide.
The origins of the Moroccan jersey, birth of a footballing identity
Morocco gained independence in 1956, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was founded the same year. The national team began to compete on the continental stage with simple outfits, predominantly red at home and white away, colors directly inherited from the national flag. The first jerseys were manufactured locally, without an international kit supplier, using simple materials and a loose fit typical of the era.
Red and green, a choice full of meaning
The red and green combination of the Moroccan flag naturally became the chromatic reference. Red dominates the home kits, while the green of the flag's star gradually appears on details: collar, sleeves, crest. This choice is not insignificant in a post-independence context where the national team also serves as an identity showcase for a country building its image on the international stage.
The first continental tournaments
Morocco played its first AFCON in 1976 in Ethiopia, where it won the title. This was the continental consecration of the Atlas Lions, with a simple, round-neck red jersey, without much graphic sophistication but carrying strong symbolism. This era laid the visual foundations that all subsequent generations would adopt.
The 1980s and 1994, Morocco on the world stage
Participation in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico marked a major turning point. Morocco became the first African and Arab country to pass the first round of a World Cup. The kits worn during this historic tournament remain etched in collective memory: vibrant red at home, pristine white away, with the FRMF initials embroidered on the chest.
The 1986 World Cup, a jersey that became a symbol
Against England, Poland, and Portugal, and then in the round of 16 against West Germany, the Atlas Lions wore a jersey of assumed simplicity. The federation's crest was sewn on the mid-left, the number printed on the back in white flocking on red. This minimalist design is now highly sought after in the market for vintage Moroccan jerseys.
1994: return to the World Cup with a modernized kit
Absent from the 1990 World Cup, the national team returned to the United States in 1994 with a more elaborate jersey. Side panels appeared, materials became more synthetic, and the graphics became richer. This was the beginning of a transition to the standards of major international kit suppliers that would dominate the following decade.
The Puma era and the premiumization of the Moroccan jersey
Puma became Morocco's official kit supplier in the early 2000s and progressively transformed the design of the Morocco jersey. Technical materials were introduced, designs became more sophisticated, and the royal crest was highlighted at the center of a more elaborate graphic composition. This partnership continues today and has produced some of the most talked-about jerseys in African football.
Jerseys of the 2000s and 2010s
The period 2000-2015 saw a standardization of Moroccan kits in the Puma style of the time: DryCELL fabric, fitted cuts, graphic details on the shoulders and sides. Red remained dominant at home, but away versions explored off-white, dark green, and even burgundy shades depending on the seasons.
AFCON 2021 and graphic renewal
The AFCON 2021 held in Cameroon in January 2022 marked a new aesthetic turning point. Puma presented a red home jersey for Morocco with geometric patterns inspired by Moroccan zellige, the traditional tilework found in the country's architecture. This was the first time that an element of Moroccan artisanal heritage was so explicitly integrated into the official design.
The pink jersey and special editions, when Morocco surprises
In 2024, Puma launched an away kit for Morocco in a pale pink that immediately caused both controversy and excitement. Unofficially dubbed the "pink jersey," this design is part of a broader trend among kit manufacturers who are increasingly using bold colors for African national teams' third and away kits. In a few weeks, this Morocco pink jersey became one of the most talked-about items on social media.
Why pink divided supporters so much
Some supporters saw it as a break from Morocco's traditional red and green chromatic tradition, a concession to marketing rather than identity. The other side argued that all major international teams, from Germany to the Netherlands, have had atypical jerseys that have become iconic over time. The debate remains open, but sales figures settled it: the pink sold much faster than classic editions.
Palestine tribute jerseys and solidarity editions
In the wake of the 2023 events, unofficial and semi-official versions of the Morocco jersey incorporated Palestinian colors or explicit mentions of solidarity. These editions are not produced by Puma but by independent actors responding to a real demand from supporters who want to combine Moroccan pride and political message. The distinction between official and tribute jerseys is central here.
The 2022 World Cup jersey, pinnacle of a golden generation
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will remain the most striking football epic in Moroccan history. Fourth place in the world, elimination of teams from Spain, Portugal, and Belgium: the Atlas Lions wore a dark red jersey during this tournament with graphic details inspired by Moroccan architectural motifs. This jersey is now considered one of the most beautiful in the history of the competition.
Hakimi, Bounou, En-Nesyri: the faces who wore this jersey
Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Youssef En-Nesyri made this jersey iconic worldwide. Every image of Bounou saving Spanish penalties or Hakimi celebrating is associated with this precise kit. In the market for flocked jerseys, Hakimi's number 2 and Bounou's number 1 were among the most requested flockings in Europe between November and December 2022. If you wish to wear Moroccan colors with your own identity, the custom Morocco jersey collection allows you to choose your name and number on designs inspired by these emblematic editions.
The Morocco 2025 jersey, contemporary design between tradition and modernity
For the 2025-2026 cycle, Puma presents a new collection for Morocco that is part of a refined aesthetic. Red still dominates, but the cuts and graphic details are lighter for a more modern result. Fabric technology also evolves: new materials are 30 to 40% lighter than previous generations, with an improved thermoregulation system.
The 2025 home jersey
The home version retains the historic vibrant red with a discreet V-neck and a royal crest repositioned slightly higher on the chest. Green details are limited to the collar and sleeve trims, giving a more understated silhouette than previous editions. Puma clearly aims for maximum legibility for televised broadcasts.
The 2025 away jersey
The away version opts for white, with graphic inserts inspired by traditional Moroccan textile patterns. This is a continuation of the artistic direction initiated since AFCON 2021, which integrates Moroccan cultural heritage into sports design. This type of approach has become a Puma signature for the African teams it equips.
FAQ
Since when has Morocco played in red?
Morocco has played in red since the creation of its national team in 1956, the year of the country's independence. The color red comes directly from the national flag. This chromatic tradition has never been abandoned, although the shades and designs have evolved with each kit supplier and each generation of jerseys.
Who is Morocco's official kit supplier?
Puma has been the official kit supplier of the Moroccan national team since the early 2000s. This partnership has lasted for over twenty years and has produced the jerseys for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as several AFCON editions. The contract also covers youth teams and the women's national team.
What is the most iconic Morocco jersey in history?
The 2022 World Cup jersey in Qatar is widely considered the most iconic. Worn during the historic epic that led Morocco to the World Cup semifinals, it combines a design inspired by Moroccan architectural heritage with exceptional sporting performances. The 1986 World Cup jersey, more understated, is the most sought after by vintage collectors.
Why did the pink Morocco jersey cause so much discussion?
Launched by Puma in 2024 as an away kit, the pink jersey surprised by its complete break from traditional Moroccan colors. Despite initial controversy, it sold out very quickly, fueled by visibility on social media. It is part of a general trend among kit suppliers who offer bold third kits to generate attention.
Can one find retro Morocco jerseys?
Yes, vintage Moroccan jerseys from 1986, 1994, and 1998 circulate on specialized platforms such as Classic Football Shirts or eBay. Official re-editions are rare: Puma has not yet launched a retro collection dedicated to Morocco, unlike some European clubs. Prices for authentic originals vary between 80 and 250 euros depending on the condition and flocking.
What this jersey says about Moroccan identity
Seventy years of national football condensed into a red fabric. The Morocco jersey has gone from a handmade post-independence outfit to an international fashion product in two generations. Each design tells a story of an era, each star on the jersey carries a victory.
