Ex-Morocco and Marseille midfielder Barrada dies aged 35

Former Morocco and Marseille midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada has died at the age of 35.

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but media reports in Morocco claim he suffered a heart attack.

Barrada retired from football in 2021 having made 26 international appearances for his country, including playing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He scored four goals, with his last one in 2015.

The Moroccan Football Federation paid tribute on social media, describing his passing as “a great loss”.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere condolences to the family of the former Moroccan international, the late Abdelaziz Barrada, and through them to all his family and relatives, as well as the national football family,” it said.

Barrada also played 64 times for Spanish club Getafe between 2011-2013, and scored twice for Marseille during his two seasons there between 2014-2016.

“The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones,” Marseille posted on social media.

Following his spell at the Ligue 1 club, Barrada played for Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, Turkish side Antalyaspor and finally Lusitanos Saint-Maur in France, although he did not make any appearances before calling time on his career three years ago.

France-born Barrada started his career in the reserve side at Paris St-Germain, who added on social media: “The club extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”