Morocco's national youth teams have welcomed a new figure at the helm.
The National Technical Directorate has appointed Ahmed Kantari as the new head coach of Morocco's U17 national team, placing its confidence in a Moroccan coach whose career has taken him through some of Europe's most competitive football environments.
From Morocco International to Coach
Kantari's football journey began on the pitch.
The former defender represented the Moroccan national team during his playing career and spent several years playing professionally, particularly in France, before retiring in 2019 and beginning his transition into coaching.
That experience at both domestic and international levels has now brought him back into the Moroccan national-team structure.
Learning His Trade in France
Kantari began his coaching career with Valenciennes, joining the French club's technical staff as he started building his reputation away from the pitch.
In 2020, he moved to Nottingham Forest, where he worked as an assistant to coach Sabri Lamouchi.
The experience continued in Qatar, with Kantari following Lamouchi to Al-Duhail during the 2020-21 season, giving him valuable exposure to football in a completely different environment.
Building Experience at Valenciennes
Kantari returned to Valenciennes in 2021 and became part of the club's first-team technical staff.
He later took charge of the reserve team between 2022 and 2024, while also receiving opportunities with the senior side.
At the end of the 2022-23 season, he temporarily led the first team before being appointed permanent head coach in December 2023.
He remained in charge until November 2024, adding valuable experience as a senior manager to his growing coaching profile.
A New Challenge at Nantes
Kantari then joined Nantes in December 2024 as part of the first-team coaching staff.
One year later, in December 2025, he was promoted to become the club's head coach, a position he held until March 2026.
His journey through different coaching environments has allowed him to develop experience in player development, tactical preparation, and managing senior squads.
UEFA Pro Licence
Kantari's coaching credentials are also backed by one of the highest qualifications available in European football.
The Moroccan coach holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification recognized by UEFA.
That combination of professional playing experience, international exposure, and advanced coaching education makes his appointment an intriguing addition to Morocco's youth development structure.
A New Generation of Atlas Lions
Taking charge of the U17 national team represents a new chapter in Kantari's career.
His mission now goes beyond results. He will be tasked with developing Morocco's emerging talents, helping young players understand the demands of international football, and preparing them for the next stages of their careers.
For Moroccan football, the appointment also reflects a broader commitment to giving homegrown coaching talent greater responsibility within the national-team system.
From wearing the Morocco shirt as a player to leading the nation's next generation, Ahmed Kantari now has another opportunity to contribute to the future of the Atlas Lions, this time from the technical area.