PUMA Celebrates Community, Creativity and Football Pride as “Africa Cup of the Blocks Casablanca” Crowns Its First Champion

Herzogenaurach, December 21, 2025 – PUMA brought the spirit of the 35th Total Energies CAF Africa Cup Of Nations directly to the streets of Casablanca as the German sport brand hosted the first-ever “Africa Cup of the Blocks Casablanca”, a high-energy 5v5 youth tournament held on the newly renovated PUMA Playground Of African Football at the PUMA Playground of African Football.

The event is part of PUMA’s nearly 30-year relationship with African football, supporting the game from grassroots to elite level.

The tournament followed yesterday’s official inauguration of the pitch — transformed into a vibrant community hub through the work of Moroccan artists Khalid Ajdour, Nassim El Bouh, Reda Boudina and Bigua Mostapha. Hundreds of children and teenagers took part in workshops exploring careers in sport, before the two-day celebration culminated in today’s competition of football, culture and youth creativity.

Peter Dangl, Director EEMEA Distribution at PUMA, said:“Seeing the passion and joy on this pitch over the last two days shows exactly why football begins here — in the communities, in the neighbourhoods, and in the dreams of young players. Our goal was to bring the Africa Cup spirit to Casablanca, and the energy we saw today exceeded everything we hoped for.”Walid Labbaq from Team Bachkou, the tournament winner, added:"It was incredible – I honestly wasn’t expecting that many fans out here.

Winning this tournament here in our own neighbourhood means something really special. Hopefully, this victory at home will inspire the Moroccan team to go all the way and bring the trophy back home.

"The event is part of PUMA’s nearly 30-year relationship with African football, supporting the game from grassroots to elite level. The aim is to strengthen youth football spaces across Morocco and to honour the communities that keep the heart of African football beating.

With music, street culture, competition and creativity coming together on and around the pitch, the event served as a powerful reminder that football’s true pulse still lives where it began: in the neighbourhoods, with the young players who dream there.