Brazil
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Mehdi Faria
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Archival Overview
Beloved Brazilian-Moroccan football manager who converted to Islam, adopted Moroccan nationality, and led the Atlas Lions to the historic Round of 16 at the 1986 World Cup.
Biographical Record
José Faria was a youth coach at Fluminense in Brazil before moving to Morocco in 1983 to manage military club FAR Rabat. Leading FAR to the CAF Champions League crown in 1985, he was appointed manager of the Moroccan national team.
Faria fell deeply in love with Moroccan culture, converted to Islam, and took the name Mehdi Faria. At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, his disciplined tactical setup saw Morocco become the first African and Arab team to finish first in their World Cup group, falling only 1-0 to finalists West Germany.
Key Life Milestones
African Cup of Champions Clubs with FAR Rabat
Coached FAR Rabat to become the first Moroccan club to win the prestigious African continental crown.
African Cup of Champions Clubs with FAR Rabat
Coached FAR Rabat to become the first Moroccan club to win the prestigious African continental crown.
African Cup of Champions Clubs with FAR Rabat
Coached FAR Rabat to become the first Moroccan club to win the prestigious African continental crown.
Historic Round of 16 at the Mexico World Cup
Made world sporting history by leading Morocco to win Group F, shocking European football giants.
Historic Round of 16 at the Mexico World Cup
Made world sporting history by leading Morocco to win Group F, shocking European football giants.
Historic Round of 16 at the Mexico World Cup
Made world sporting history by leading Morocco to win Group F, shocking European football giants.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialKenitra, Morocco