Moroccans vs. Roma Tournament
For Adrian, a 17-year-old Roma youth living in Cañada and a passionate fan of Sergio Ramos, or for Mohammed, a 16-year-old Moroccan boy who dreams of one day watching Messi play live, the tournament they call “Moroccans vs. Roma” represents a local version of Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona in Cañada Real.
On Saturday, February 18, Red Deporte organized a tournament involving young people from the two main communities living in Cañada—Moroccan and Roma youth—referred to by the kids themselves as “Moroccans vs. Roma.” For the hundreds of boys and girls who came to cheer them on, the outcome really mattered. Yet despite existing divisions, the tournament was marked by mutual respect and a positive atmosphere, albeit not without a certain tension—mostly football-related.
Cañada Real is a neighborhood located just seven kilometers from central Madrid, where youth from both communities live. It’s an area whose living and structural conditions are far removed from the standards of the Spanish capital—a city that feels both distant and within reach. The Roma and Moroccan communities share the same neighborhood, yet they are often separated by an invisible wall of mistrust rooted in a long and complicated history.
“Moroccans vs. Roma” is a phrase filled with symbolism within Spanish history and culture. The term “Moroccans” refers to people from North Africa with whom Spain shares a history of colonial wars, conflict, over seven centuries of Muslim rule, and more recently, large-scale migration to fill tough, low-paying, and often undocumented jobs, mainly in agriculture.
The word “Roma” refers to the Romani people, who have been part of Spanish society for centuries and have left an indelible mark on Spanish culture, particularly in the arts. Yet “Roma” also carries a second, derogatory meaning. For decades, in Spain, the term has been used as a synonym for thief, swindler, or loan shark. While the young people in Cañada don’t fully intend this negative connotation when using the term, they’re also not entirely unaware of its symbolic weight.
Achievements and Challenges for Cohabitation in Cañada
Both communities take part in the sports program that Red Deporte and four other social organizations are running in Cañada. The Roma and Moroccan youth usually train separately, seven days a week.
The tournament between Roma and Moroccan boys was organized for youth in the children’s and cadet age categories. However, kids of all ages were eager to prove that their community is the best at what they love most and what plays such an important role in their lives: football. Through this tournament, Red Deporte aims to foster respect and friendship—without suppressing the spontaneity seen, for instance, in the name the kids have chosen for the event.
The behavior of both teams on the pitch was exemplary—far from the stereotype many in our society might expect from “Roma” or “Moroccans.” Our goal is to make sport and football a tool to break down barriers and prejudices, both inside and outside Cañada. The Moroccan boys won by a narrow margin, but in truth, we all won—by enjoying a wonderful day of football and taking a step forward in dignifying life in Cañada through sport.
Under the motto “Sport Without Limits”, Red Deporte runs a football program aimed at children and youth in Cañada Real, as well as other migrant and refugee groups living in the Madrid region. This program is supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children and streetfootballworld.
