Wydad vs. Raja: The Titans of Moroccan Football
When it comes to Moroccan football, two names stand above the rest—Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca. These legendary clubs have not only dominated the domestic scene but have also left an indelible mark on continental and international competitions. Their trophy cabinets, brimming with titles, dwarf those of any other team in Morocco, cementing their status as the nation’s football powerhouses.
More than just clubs, Wydad and Raja embody the spirit of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most vibrant city. Their fierce rivalry ignites passion across the country, yet both teams share an unbreakable bond with their fans—loyal supporters whose devotion knows no bounds. While their clashes on the pitch are electrifying, their true legacy lies in their ability to unite Moroccans through a shared love for the beautiful game.
A Battle for Supremacy: Wydad vs. Raja by the Numbers
| Competition | Raja CA | Wydad AC |
|---|---|---|
| Botola (League Titles) | 12 | 21 |
| Throne Cup | 8 | 9 |
| Total Domestic Titles | 20 | 30 |
Wydad holds a clear edge in domestic dominance, but Raja’s continental success—including three CAF Champions League titles—keeps the rivalry alive.
A Historic Rivalry: The First Casablanca Derby
The year 1957 marked the birth of Moroccan football’s greatest rivalry when Raja, then a rising club founded just eight years prior, faced the established giants Wydad at Philip Stadium. Against all odds, Raja stunned the crowd with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a thunderous strike from Mohamed "Al-Wajdi" Laashir. Wydad, however, got their revenge later that season with a resounding 3-0 win, setting the stage for decades of unforgettable battles.
Record-Breaking Moments in the Derby
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Raja’s Biggest Win: 5-1 (1996, Throne Cup)
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Wydad’s Biggest Win: 3-0 (1957 & 2001)
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Longest Unbeaten Runs:
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Wydad went 4 seasons (1968-1972) without losing to Raja.
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Raja returned the favor, remaining unbeaten for 5 seasons (1973-1978).
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Derby Legends:
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Mohamed Olhaj (Raja) holds the record for most derby appearances (21 matches).
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Abdellatif Grindo (Raja) and Nader El Mayagri (Wydad) follow closely with 19 matches each.
Wydad’s Continental Recognition
In 2000, Wydad was ranked 12th among Africa’s top clubs by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)—a testament to their enduring legacy. With an estimated annual budget of $7 million, Wydad remains one of Morocco’s most financially robust clubs, alongside its eternal rivals, Raja and FAR Rabat (Royal Army).
Conclusion: More Than Just a Game
The Wydad-Raja rivalry transcends football—it’s a clash of pride, history, and unwavering passion. Whether in the Botola, Throne Cup, or continental showdowns, every encounter writes a new chapter in Moroccan football folklore. For the fans, it’s not just about winning; it’s about honor, legacy, and the unrelenting love for their club.
| Raja CA | Competition | Wydad AC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | |||
| 12 | Botola | 21 | |
| 8 | Throne Cup | 9 | |
| 20 | Aggregate | 30 | |
1957 the first derby between Raja and Wydad
History of confrontations in all competitions
General derby statistics
| Competition | Wydad win | Draw | win please | the total | Wydad goals | Raja goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 30 | 62 | 36 | 128 | 96 | 109 | |
| Throne Cup | 5 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 15th | 19 | |
| Arab Championship | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |
| the total | 35 | 66 | 42 | 143 | 119 | 133 |
|
Raja Casablanca |
Wydad Casablanca |
|
|
Date of Establishment |
1949 |
1936 |
|
City |
White House |
White House |
|
Team name abbreviation |
RCA |
WAC |
|
Championship |
12 |
20 |
|
Throne Cup |
8 |
9 |
|
League of Champions |
3 |
2 |
|
African Confederation Cup |
3 |
1 |
|
African Super |
2 |
1 |
|
Arab Cup of Champions |
1 |
1 |
|
Arabic Super |
0 |
1 |
|
Afro-Asian Cup |
1 |
1 |