Aguerd confirms assault on way to Morocco duty
Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd confirmed on Monday that he was assaulted while waiting at Marseille Provence airport to travel to Morocco for national team duty, though security intervention quickly resolved the incident.
Aguerd, 29, who joined Marseille in September from West Ham United on a permanent transfer, was approached in the VIP section of the airport by an individual seeking a selfie and the player’s phone number. The situation escalated when the man reportedly became aggressive and attempted to strike Aguerd, requiring airport security to step in and prevent further conflict.
Addressing the incident on social media, Aguerd reassured supporters: “I was indeed assaulted at Marignane airport while waiting for my flight to join the Moroccan national team. Fortunately, it was more of a scare than anything else; everything was quickly resolved thanks to the intervention of security personnel and law enforcement.” He added that the matter has been handed over to the police and emphasized his focus remains on his responsibilities with Marseille and Morocco.
Aguerd has made four Ligue 1 appearances for Marseille, scoring once since his arrival. Known for his composure and physical presence in central defense, he strengthens Marseille’s backline as the club seeks defensive stability under their current management.
Morocco, having already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are preparing for upcoming fixtures including an international friendly against Bahrain on Thursday, followed by a crucial final qualification match against Congo in Rabat on October 14.
The assault incident underscores security concerns surrounding high-profile players traveling for international duty, but Aguerd’s quick recovery and focus signal his commitment to both club and country during a critical phase of the season.