Wydad AC: History, Squad, Rivalries, Honours & Future Plans

Wydad Athletic Club, widely known as Wydad AC, is the pride of Moroccan football. Based in the historical city of Casablanca, the history of the football club goes back to the year of its inception in 1937, serving as the pillar of the deep-rooted culture of the country. The foundation of Wydad AC came into existence to oppose the colonial barbarism posed by the French government, evoking a nationalist response to unite the Moroccan athletes under the shade of one club. The club carries the legacy of the Moroccan people's culture, legacy, and resistance.
With multiple big accolades like the Moroccan Leagues, Moroccan Throne Cups, and CAF Champions League, Wydad AC have evolved from a very humble beginning into one of the most celebrated football clubs in the African nation. The passion for football can be seen when the Red Castle steps onto the ground in the midst of the sea of red and white flags in the club's home ground Mohammed V Stadium. In recent years, the club has become a brutal force in Moroccan football by gaining experience through their participation in several continental tournaments. Wydad AC are the perfect blend of old cultural heritage and modern aspirations, constantly looking for glory beyond Africa. They are currently playing the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Wydad AC: Key Facts

Wydad AC are a part of the Sports Association within Morocco, meaning it is not owned by any individual or company but run by the government-controlled Presidential system, which is elected by the members of the club.

Due to their ownership and management system, supporters and stakeholders have direct influence on the proceedings of the club affairs, making it a historically rooted club. Currently, Wydad AC are run by Hicham Ait Menna, a renowned sports enthusiast of Morocco, who succeeded the former president of the club in 2024.

History of Wydad AC

History of Wydad AC are so deeply rooted that it echoes the pride and resilience of the ancestors of the current Moroccan people. The football outfit, a symbol of the country's identity and independence, was founded in 1937 in Casablanca in the backdrop of the French colonial setting to show a United national pride driven by love for football by seven Moroccans led by Mohamed Benjelloun Touimi. Wydad means “love” in Arabic and this very name was reportedly taken from the famous Egyptian film with the same title. Initially starting as a water polo club, the Moroccan outfit began playing football after a few years, with the youth of the then deprived nation lending a voice of hope to the rest of the people through football, with Mohamed Ben Lahcen Affani, known as Father Jego, creating the football section within the club.
Following Morocco's independence in 1956, Wydad AC became the National club of the country, carrying the symbol of red and white demonstrating sacrifice and purity, two main principles that the club carries as its identity. In the first Moroccan Championship, the Red Castle emerged winners, setting the rhythm of success for the future. Throughout the years, the club has established a fierce rivalry with another club from the region, Raja Casablanca, creating the famous and historical Casablanca rivalry. Between 1990s and 2000s, Wydad AC went beyond the boundary of Morocco and lifted its first CAF Champions League in 1992, stepping a foot in the continental supremacy. Over the years, it has won 20 Moroccan League titles and numerous Throne Cups, most by any team in the country.

Wydad AC Sponsors, Net Worth and Value

As the national club of Morocco, Wydad AC enjoys the benefits of several sponsorship deals every year. With Adidas being its official kit sponsor, the club has also partnered with several national and international brands like KIA Motors, Ingelec, Coca-Cola, Super Sport, Siera etc. All these financial gains have helped Wydad FC to reach an estimated net worth of around $37 million as of 2025. According to media reports, it remains as one of the most valuable football clubs in the African market with its estimated market value ranging €22.5 million.

Wydad AC Rivalries

A few clubs in the world are not only about trophies and achievements as their existence is all about the legacy and culture. Wydad Athletic Club is like those clubs who have become a superpower in their countries not only because of a trophy-laden journey, but also for the legacy defining intensive rivalries.

The Red Castle has also created some of the biggest football rivalries in Morocco which stand out as the most iconic and emotionally resonant. For example, the Casablanca rivalry between Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca delivers some of the finest football matches charged with passion, glory, anger and pride. Having said that, let's discuss the three most famous rivalries of Wydad AC.

Derbies

The Casablanca Derby is the reflection of Moroccan football and how the people of the country see football beyond the boundary of sports. Passion, cries, heartbreaks, shouts of pride and intensity - everything can be seen during this derby. It is no surprise that this rivalry produces the biggest derby in Morocco.

The two teams often pitted against each other in the Mohammed V Stadium battles it out for the soul of the Casablanca city. The first derby game dates back to 1957 when Raja edged its city rivals in an intense battle. Just like the first, the most recent encounter between the two heavyweights also produced a similar result. As of today, Wydad AC have an upper hand in the derby record, having won 38 games, two victories more than Raja.

Another Moroccan football rivalry that has taken the country's football pride to the world level just because of its sheer passion and high-stake games is the classic derby between Wydad AC and FAR Rabat. This match is not only between two clubs as it pits two important cities, Casablanca and Rabat against each other, creating a cultural contrast. The rivalry that started in 1959, has seen the Red Castle having slight edge in terms of wins across all competitions, with the last one coming to an end with a 2-2 draw.

This rivalry between Wydad AC and ES Tunis outscores the importance and dominating nature of the former in African football as the Moroccan club has been able to establish a jaw-dropping rivalry with a club away from its nation. This fierce match-up came to the forefront due to the Red Castle's regular appearance in the African continent competitions.

The Tunisian outfit, ES Tunis locked horns with its Moroccan foe for the first time in the 2011 CAF Champions League. However, this derby will be remembered forever because the infamous match between Wydad and ES Tunis in the CAF Champions League final in 2019 was abandoned after the former staged a protest against the referee before walking out of the field.

Wydad AC Trophies & Achievements

Wydad AC are not only famous for its history and culture but also renowned for its dazzling trophy cabinet. From Moroccan League and Throne Cup to CAF Champions League, the Red Castle has won every major title in its way so far. It is also one of the few African clubs to have won the prestigious African Champions League three times.

Future Goals

Wydad AC have already established itself as the cornerstone of Moroccan football and looks to become the pride of the whole of Africa just like it was in yesteryears. Guided by the traditional culture and modern ambitious missions, the Red Castle will once again look to dominate in the CAF Champions League by rebuilding a strong squad and strengthening its youth academy pipelines.

A recent report published by a Moroccan sports media outlet has reflected on Wydad AC's idea of upgrading its stadium facilities to raise the standard. Briefly put, the club, with visionary ideas and traditional excellence, setting itself as the standard-bearer of the future.