Tragedy: Moroccan footballer drowned on the way to the shores of Ceuta
Faten Ben Amar Al-Azizi, a player for Moghreb Atletico Tetouan, attempted to reach Spanish territory by swimming and perished: "Her dream ended before it began."
Women's football in Morocco is in mourning following the death of Faten Ben Amar Al-Azizi, a young player for Moghreb Atletico Tetouan, who drowned while attempting to swim to the shores of Ceuta.
Her club released a moving statement of mourning, writing that Faten's dream "ended before it began." According to the statement, the player was not seeking fame or adventure, but hoped to find a better life and a new opportunity for her future across the border.
"She was not looking for publicity or adventure, but for a better life and a future she believed was waiting for her on the other side of the border. She wanted to open a new door for her future, but her journey ended before she reached her destination."
Faten is one of 67 people killed, according to Spanish authorities, in an unprecedented crisis during which about 60,000 people attempted to cross the border between Morocco and Ceuta. Many of them tried to reach the Spanish city by sea, along the dangerous route between Fnideq and Ceuta.
According to media outlets in Morocco, at least 17 more people were killed on the Moroccan side, most of them by drowning, but the country's authorities have yet to provide official data on the number of dead, injured, and missing.
Moghreb Atletico Tetouan paid tribute to the young player and warned of the heavy price young people pay in attempts at illegal immigration. "Dreams turn into nightmares, and joy turns into tears," the club's statement read.
