Former Morocco, Marseille midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada dies at 35

Abdelaziz Barrada, a former Moroccan international and ex-Marseille midfielder, has died at the age of 35. The football community, including PSG and Marseille, mourns his untimely passing and celebrates his contributions to the sport.

In Short

• Abdelaziz Barrada, ex-Moroccan international, dies at 35
• Barrada earned 28 caps and scored four goals for Morocco
• Barrada played for clubs like PSG, Marseille, and Getafe

Former Moroccan international and Olympique de Marseille midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada has passed away at the age of 35, according to announcements by French clubs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille. Both clubs expressed their sorrow, with PSG sharing their "great sadness" and Marseille bidding him farewell with a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter): "Rest in peace Abdelaziz."

Born in France on June 19, 1989, Barrada began his professional journey with PSG's reserve team before a move to Spanish club Getafe, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent. After a brief stint with Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi, Barrada returned to France to join Marseille in 2014, contributing to the Ligue 1 side for two seasons before exploring opportunities in the Gulf region.

Barrada earned 28 caps and scored four goals for the Moroccan national team between 2012 and 2015. He notably represented Morocco at the 2012 London Olympics, where he captained the squad and scored in a memorable 2-2 draw against Honduras. His leadership was instrumental as he helped the team reach the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations final in 2011.

The Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF) described Barrada's death as a "great tragedy," underscoring his significant contributions to Moroccan football. Both PSG and Marseille extended condolences to Barrada's family, with the clubs joining fans worldwide in mourning his untimely passing.

Barrada retired from football in 2021, following an extensive club career that included stints in Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. His talent, sportsmanship, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Moroccan football and the clubs he represented. The cause of Barrada’s death has not been officially confirmed, although some reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack