Former Morocco and Marseille midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada has passed away at the age of 35.
While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, Moroccan media reports suggest he suffered a heart attack.
Barrada retired in 2021 after earning 26 international caps for Morocco, including an appearance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He netted four goals for his country, with his last in 2015.
The Moroccan Football Federation honored him in a social media tribute, calling his passing “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.”