TRAGIC: Retired African star dies aged 35

It has been confirmed that a retired African star has tragically passed away at the age of just 35. 

In a devastating turn of events, it has been that confirmed that former Morocco international Abdelaziz Barrada lost his life on Thursday.

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The player is understood to have died of a heart attack, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirming the news of the 28-capped star's passing on X.

"The Royal Moroccan Football Federation, represented by its President, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Board of Directors, extends its sincere condolences to the family of the former Moroccan international, the late Abdelaziz Barrada, and through them to all his family and relatives, as well as the national football family, on this great loss," the statement from the FRMF reads.

"The late Abdelaziz Barrada, who passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, had previously worn the national team jersey on more than one occasion and also played for many European and Arab teams.

"May God have mercy on the deceased, and to God we belong and to Him we shall return."

One of his former clubs, Olympique Marseille, also paid tribute to Barrada, who made 45 appearances for the French giants between 2014 and 2016.

"The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones," Marseille posted on their social media pages.

Born in France, the deceased midfielder also represented clubs in Spain, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

He was also part of the Morocco squad that took part in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. 

The Atlas Lions were eliminated in the first round of that tournament after they finished third in Group A behind hosts Bafana Bafana and Cape Verde.

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By Lukhanyo Mtuta

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