Moroccan defender Nasser Mazraoui hints at retirement after World Cup to become imam

Manchester United full‑back and Morocco international Nasser Mazraoui, 28, said he may end his football career after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In interviews cited by Spanish outlet AS, the player explained that “life is short, I want to memorize the Quran and become an imam in a mosque one day.” His remarks came as Morocco continued a strong group‑stage performance, drawing 1‑1 with Brazil and beating Scotland, with a decisive match against Haiti upcoming.

Mazraoui’s career began at Ajax, followed by moves to Bayern Munich and a 2024 transfer to Manchester United on a contract that runs to 2028. Despite being a key right‑back for the “Atlas Lions,” he said the prospect of leaving the sport to focus on religious and humanitarian work had grown stronger. The comments sparked wide discussion across Arab and international sports media, highlighting the rarity of a top‑level player publicly planning an early retirement for spiritual reasons.