Rabat — On Saturday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled for the first time the official logo for the AFCON 2025, which will take place in Morocco later this year.
The logo depicts the usual AFCON cup, except this year covered in colorful authentic zellige – a form of mosaic art, paying homage to Morocco’s diversity and cultural uniqueness.
“Inspired by Moroccan ‘zellij, a timeless mosaic art form, the tournament logo redefines football as a canvas where creativity, precision, and passion collide,” CAF said in its statement, noting that this year’s AFCON will celebrate the unity of nations.
“Just as zellij pieces are meticulously crafted and assembled to form breathtaking designs, every moment in football builds toward a masterpiece of skill, teamwork, and triumph,” CAF continued, adding that merging the geometry of football with zellige captures the “precision and movement of the game” and honors Africa’s cultural legacy.
The tournament is set to take place on December 21 of this year, and will run through January 18 next year. On Monday, Morocco will host the AFCON draw in Rabat.
The unveiling of the new logo sparked joy, pride and celebrations among Moroccans as zellige has been subject to cultural appropriation attempts – particularly from Algeria.
“The logo features #Moroccan #Zellige symbolizing the rich culture of Morocco & the unity of #Africa,” one commenter wrote on X.
Not only is the design uniquely Moroccan but also the unveiling itself. CAF released a video showing a craftsman working in a shop typical of those found in souks in Morocco’s old medinas. In a playful ode to Moroccan handicraft, the commercial shows the artisan creating every piece that makes the trophy used in the emblem.
One X user referenced a controversy created by Adidas in 2022, noting that when zellige “is not created by Adidas but by the masters of this ancient craft it results in this magnificent logo… A true celebration of Moroccan authenticity and heritage, blending tradition and modernity with unique elegance.”
Oualid Kebir, an Algerian analyst also commented on the logo, noting that it is adorned in Fez zellige, “a symbol of Morocco’s rich civilization.”
In 2022, Adidas released a collection for Algeria’s team, claiming inspiration from the architectural design of El Mechouar palace in Tlemcen.
The design, however, drew inspiration from Moroccan zellige, frequently subjected to cultural appropriation attempts from Algeria.
In response to these instances, Morocco has repeatedly pledged its efforts to preserve its cultural heritage and legacies.
The country also patented the Fez’s zellige through the World Intellectual Property Organization, stressing that this art is one of the forms that express the originality of Moroccan architecture, with a handicraft industry that dates back to the 10th century AD.
