Moroccan footballer Amine Adli has opened up about the passing of his mother in a heartfelt interview with Instant Foot. Just before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in January 2024, Adli was called up to the Morocco national team. But he was also facing a devastating personal loss—the death of his mother. In the interview, he recalls those difficult days. After a strong season with Bayer Leverkusen, Adli decided to spend the holidays with his mother. «I took a vacation with my mom in Dubai. It was our first time there, and everything went well», he said. But once they returned, things took a turn. «We came back, my mom went back home, and my sister told me, 'Mom isn't feeling well. She's at the hospital'». Adli rushed to be by her side in France. «They kept telling me she was fine. My mom kept saying, 'Go ahead, Amine, go play football.' I said no, I wouldn't leave, but she insisted». ? UN DES MOMENTS FORTS DU PAYE TA GRAILLE BY @lnstantFoot Amine nous explique le décès de sa mère Allah y rhamha et l'aide apportée par Faouzi Lekjaa et la fédération mais également l'amour apporté par le public ? EMOUVANT… pic.twitter.com/w4R6FAmWCC — SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) May 27, 2025 Adli joined the national team's AFCON camp, but a day later, his sister called again. «She said, 'Come back. Mom isn't doing well'». Coach Walid Regragui told him, «Go back right away». Adli returned, but within days, his mother's condition worsened, and she passed away. He shared how the Moroccan federation helped him fulfill his mother's last wish—to be buried in Meknes. «I called the coach and told him. Repatriating a body for burial—it's a lot. But the national team, the whole federation, they really supported me. They arranged a plane so we could get to Morocco quickly, helped with all the paperwork. They took care of everything». In the midst of his grief, Adli made a choice. «I felt I had to go for my country. After everything the team did for me, I owed it to them. I had to show up». Returning to the pitch helped. «Once I started training again, it helped. It was good to think about something else, to clear my mind. Sometimes, being on the pitch just helps». Adli also spoke about the overwhelming support from Moroccan fans. «Incredible support. I can't even express how grateful I am». Looking ahead, Adli has one goal: «I want to make a big impact for the national team. I want Moroccans to be proud of me».
