The naming of the main pitch at the Malaguista training ground further highlights the importance of Abdallah Ben Barek, a historic and indispensable figure in the trajectory of the Blue and White club over the decades.
The event featured a large representation from the Club, including numerous first-team players and footballers developed through the youth ranks of the MCF Academy. There was also a strong institutional presence, with members of the Málaga City Council and the Provincial Council of Málaga, as well as representatives from the Junta de Andalucía and the Spanish Government Subdelegation.
More than a hundred guests also attended the event, including former historic Málaga players, the vast majority of whom were coached by Abdallah Ben Barek, along with colleagues, relatives, and people close to the honouree.
The ceremony, filled with symbolism and emotion, was designed as a surprise event organised alongside ‘Basti’, a Malaguista legend and the heart of the Social Department of the MCF Foundation, who acted as host of the occasion. Upon his arrival, in one of the afternoon’s most emotional moments, Abdallah Ben Barek was welcomed with a guard of honour formed by young Academy players and former Club footballers, as a gesture recognising both his sporting and personal legacy.
On arriving at the stage, decorated by illustrator Pachi with an image of Ben Barek and the slogan “From 1958 to today. A lifetime at Málaga,” Basti introduced a series of emotional videos covering 68 years of Málaga history, along with messages from several important football personalities connected to Abdallah’s career.
The Club’s general manager, Kike Pérez, took to the stage and dedicated heartfelt words to Abdallah Ben Barek: “You have taken care of this club and of these players, and because of the mark you have left, this ground will now be called the ‘Abdallah Ben Barek Stadium.’ We want your legacy to endure forever and to give back a little of everything you have given us. Football can be done the way you have done it, through affection, respect, and friendship. Thank you for everything you represent.”
Another special moment came from José Manuel Ortega, Ben Barek’s son-in-law, who read a touching letter from his grandchildren expressing gratitude and love for their ‘pajarito’. Abdallah, visibly emotional, also addressed his ‘chiquitillos’ from the Academy. “They are my children, it’s where I have enjoyed myself the most. Not everyone is lucky enough to be at Málaga. Work hard and make the most of the opportunity,” he said, before later being accompanied by a dozen first-team players developed through the youth academy and posing for a family photo with everyone in attendance.
With this naming, Málaga CF pays tribute to a key figure in the history of the institution, whose commitment, loyalty, and passion for the club’s Blue and White colours have left an indelible legacy on generations of players and supporters.
Pitch 1 at the Ciudad Deportiva Fundación MCF will now be known as the “Abdallah Ben Barek Stadium,” permanently honouring the Moroccan’s memory and his contribution to the growth of the Club and its youth academy.
About Abdallah Ben Barek
Born in Rabat (Morocco) in 1937, 89 years ago, Abdallah Ben Barek El Antaki is a historic figure and an icon of both Málaga and Moroccan football. Trained at Stade Marocain, he moved to Spain with Granada CF before joining CD Málaga, where he spent most of his playing career until 1968. An international player for Morocco national football team, he won the African championship and played a decisive role in the development of football in his country.
After retiring, he began a long coaching career at various Spanish clubs, most notably through his connection with Málaga, both with the reserve side and the first team. He also played a key role with the Morocco national football team, serving as part of the national technical staff and contributing to the country’s historic participation in the 1986 Mexico World Cup.
Settled in Málaga since his playing days, Ben Barek has maintained a close relationship with the Club through various roles over the decades, especially in youth development and seven-a-side football teams, where he has left a profound mark as a coach and role model for generations of young footballers.
From now on, in addition to Gate 6 at La Rosaleda Stadium, the name of Abdallah Ben Barek will forever be linked to the main pitch of Málaga’s academy.
You are now eternal, ‘Pajarito’.
