24.08.2025 09:00
In Morocco, 19-year-old promising footballer Zeytuni chose an unconventional path to pursue his dreams. The young star expressed that he had not received his salary from his club, Maghreb Athletic Tetouan, for a long time and felt excluded. After jumping into the sea and swimming for half an hour, he reached Spanish territory. Zeytuni said, "I had to take risks for a better football future."
The 19-year-old young footballer Zeytuni, who plays for Mağrib Atletic Tetouan, a team in the Moroccan Botola 2 League, embarked on an incredible journey to open a new chapter in his football career. Zeytuni, who stated that he felt excluded, took advantage of the dense fog and rough sea to swim to the city of Sebte (Ceuta) in Spain.
SWAM FOR HALF AN HOUR TO REACH SPAIN
After taking a long walk to avoid being noticed on the Fineydak beach, Zeytuni entered the sea, seizing the opportunity presented by the low visibility caused by the dense fog and bad weather conditions. After swimming for about half an hour, the young footballer arrived on Spanish soil, where he was placed in the Temporary Accommodation Center for Migrants.
HAD NOT RECEIVED SALARY FOR A LONG TIME
Speaking to the local press in Sebte, Zeytuni expressed that he had not received a salary from his club for a long time and had not encountered any support after his contract expired. The young footballer, who said, "I felt excluded. I had to take risks for a better football future," emphasized that both financial and emotional loneliness were behind his decision.
FROM YOUTH ACADEMY TO CHAMPIONSHIP
Considered one of the promising names in Moroccan football, Zeytuni had experienced championship success in the U18 Moroccan League with Mağrib Atletic Tetouan. Notable for his tall stature and physical strength, the player can play both as a center-back and a defensive midfielder. His playing style is compared to that of Arsenal's French center-back William Saliba.
TURNED INTO A DRAMA
Zeytuni's decision has once again brought to the forefront the social and professional difficulties faced by young players in Moroccan football. The football community expresses that the incident is not just an individual drama, but also presents a picture that questions the financial and social responsibilities of clubs towards young players. Currently continuing his individual training at the accommodation center in Sebte, Zeytuni aims to continue his football career with offers from European or local clubs in the region.