Crown Prince Moulay Hassan presided over the opening ceremony on the evening of Dec 21 at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, marking the formal kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The event combined authentic traditions and colorful choreography with cutting-edge technology in a spectacle that successfully blended authenticity and modernity.
The ceremony, designed by Moroccan agency Avant‑Scène in collaboration with international group Balich Wonder Studio, began with a countdown and a visual “poem” tracing a beam of light across Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from desert to mountains, linking the nation’s six host cities and nine stadiums.
The light culminated in a football-shaped lantern, exploding into brilliance as the countdown reached zero.
The ‘Keeper of the Light,’ symbolizing tradition and heritage, passed a glowing lantern to the ‘Rising One,’ representing Morocco’s youthful future.
A troupe of 250 dancers, dressed in a tapestry of pan‑African textures and colors, advanced the narrative: grid-like LED panels moved in waves across the pitch in sync with Moroccan rhythms.
The performance included a breathtaking performance by international stars French Montana, Davido, and RedOne, followed by a chorus led by Angélique Kidjo, Jaylann and Lartiste.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the event, calling it “the most beautiful Africa Cup of Nations in history,” and thanked the organizers for “uniting Africa”.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe echoed the sentiment, saying, “We welcome the world in Africa. We will show the world the best African and global players … We will use football to unite our people
Morocco is hosting the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fes.
Twenty-four teams are competing, starting with the opening match between Morocco and Comoros in Rabat, and culminating in the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The tournament marks the first time AFCON has been held in December and the New Year period, offering a month-long festival of continental football.
