Former Morocco international Abdelaziz Barrada dies suddenly at 35

Tributes have flowed from across the football world after a former Olympian and international star died suddenly at the age of 35.

Former Olympian and Moroccan international Abdelaziz Barrada has sadly died at the age of 35.

The ex-Marseille and Morocco star suddenly passed away as it was confirmed by his former club.

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Moroccan news outlet Hespress has reported that Barrada suffered a heart attack in the afternoon.

The Ligue 1 outfit announced the footballer’s death on social media with a touching tribute.

It read: “Rest in peace Abdelaziz.

“Olympique de Marseille learned with sadness of the death of its former player and Moroccan international, Abdelaziz Barrada.

“Arriving in the summer of 2014, the attacking midfielder wore the colours of OM for two seasons.

“The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones.”

Barrada scores for Morocco at the 2012 Olympics. Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images

Social media was flooded with tributes to Barrada.

Morroco star Amine Harit posted: “Abdelaziz Barrada may Allah have mercy on you support his loved ones.”

A fan wrote: “My deepest condolences.”

A second commented: “My condolences to his family and loved ones, 35 is really too young, may he rest in peace.”

A third said: “I am shocked to hear of his death! May he rest in peace, a player who will have left his mark on Marseille anyway.”

Another added: “It hurts, we didn’t expect it, rest in peace Abdelaziz condolences to the family and loved ones.”

Barrada started his professional career in France at Senart-Moissy.

He went on to play for Paris Saint-Germain’s B side between 2007 and 2010.

The midfielder went on to have spells at Getafe in Spain as well as Marseille, Al-Jazira, Al-Nasr, Antalyaspor, Al Shahania and Lusitanos Saint-Maur.

Abdelaziz Barrada on the bench for Olympique de Marseille. Photo by Kaz Photography/Getty Images

Abdelaziz Barrada for Morocco at the 2013 African Cup of Nations. Photo by Steve Haag/Getty Images

During his two-year spell at Marseille, he made 33 league appearances and scored two goals.

He played alongside the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Steven Fletcher, Brice Samba and Lassana Diarra.

Barrada also represented his country at international level, playing in the 2012 London Olympics, scoring a goal in a 2-all draw against Honduras as Morocco was eliminated from the group stage.

He also made the senior Moroccan national side as he earned 26 caps between 2012 and 2015.

He scored four goals for the side, including a strike against Gambia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.

Originally published as Former Morocco international Abdelaziz Barrada dies suddenly at 35