Morocco's ambassador to Chile, Kenza El Ghali, stood out during the U20 World Cup in Santiago for her heartfelt support of the Atlas Cubs, celebrating with players in the locker room and welcoming fans from across the world to her residence before the final. A scholar and seasoned diplomat, the Oujda-born professor and former parliamentarian embodies Morocco's modern, dynamic spirit, combining professionalism, empathy, and national pride. Behind every man's success, there is often a woman, a mother who raises and encourages, a wife who supports, or a role model who inspires and empowers. For Morocco's young U20 players, crowned world champions on Sunday in Santiago, that figure was Morocco's ambassador to Chile, Kenza El Ghali. Since the start of the World Cup in South America, El Ghali has been there for the Atlas Cubs. On social media and national television, she was seen celebrating the Atlas Cubs' victory over France, which earned them a spot in the final. Dressed in a red national jersey and a green blazer, she was the only woman in the locker room, jumping and chanting «Oh mamma mia!» as the players sang «Mabrouk ʿalina, hadi bidaya mazal mazal». «We are a nation, and this is a generation of challenges, and we have overcome them all», she told reporters, tears of joy in her eyes after the electrifying celebration. «We will lift the trophy», she insisted. The ambassador's support also extended to the fans who flew in from across the world to attend the Argentina–Morocco final. El Ghali personally welcomed hundreds of Moroccan supporters arriving from Casablanca, Washington, Mexico, Brasília, and Buenos Aires. Later, she opened her residence to host a warm lunch reception, offering food and rest to the fans before they headed to the stadium. Moving among her guests, El Ghali spoke with them, encouraged them, and highlighted the unity and hope they brought from around the globe, describing their presence as a reflection of Morocco's collective spirit. Her hospitality turned the embassy residence into a space of national pride and emotion, uniting compatriots ahead of a historic final. A seasoned diplomat, combining professionalism and national pride As in 2022, when the Atlas Lions drew worldwide attention for the support shown by their mothers, the U20 World Cup in Chile was marked by El Ghali's unwavering presence beside the Cubs. Serving as Morocco's ambassador to Chile since 2016, El Ghali is the longest-serving ambassador in the country and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Enorme RESPECT à cette grande dame Kenza El Ghali, notre chère ambassadrice au Chili, qui depuis le début de cette compétition à marqué sa présence au stade pour soutenir nos jeunes Talens. Bravooo Madame et merci pour tout..????? pic.twitter.com/RLg9ji5iyO — kalima (@KarimnajiKarim) October 16, 2025 The diplomat, mother, and professor, El Ghali has built a long career spanning academia, politics, and social engagement. Born in Oujda, she grew up in a large family of twelve siblings and quickly stood out as a bright, active student with a passion for theatre, sports, and learning. At just fifteen, she married her Arabic teacher, on one bold condition: that she be allowed to continue her studies. Holder of a degree in Spanish Philology, graduating first in Morocco in her field, she went on to earn a PhD in Spanish Language and Civilization through a joint program between Rabat's Faculty of Letters and the Autonomous University of Madrid, focusing her doctoral research on migration and women crossing borders. Her academic excellence earned her recognition from King Hassan II, who personally received Morocco's top students at the Royal Palace. Over the years, she also obtained a Master's degree on migration and sustainable development, a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DESA) in Hispanic Literature from Mohammed V University, and later began a Master's in Dialogue of Civilizations and Religions at UAB Barcelona. Before entering diplomacy, El Ghali served as Deputy Mayor of Fez, Vice-President of the Moroccan Parliament, and acted as observer and coordinator in various Latin American legislative institutions, including Nicaragua's Fofrel, the Andean Parliament, and those of Guatemala and Panama. She has also been a professor at Hassan II University of Mohammedia since 2011 and an active member of civil society, co-founding the International Network «Women and Migration» in Italy. In Chile, Kenza El Ghali embodies the image of a modern Moroccan woman, a scholar, a mother of four, a grandmother of four, and a skilled diplomat who bridges professionalism, empathy, and national pride.
