Abdelatif Benazzi, one of the leading figures in Moroccan and French rugby, will be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, September 17, for a ceremony marking his promotion to Commander of the National Order of Merit, the third-highest rank of the French order.
According to our sources, Benazzi will receive the insignia during the ceremony in the presence of several guests, including Morocco’s ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl.
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The new distinction comes just days after the Oujda native was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Benazzi became the 182nd member of the exclusive group, which brings together players and figures who have made their mark on the history of world rugby.
Franco-Moroccan former rugby player Abdelatif Benazzi poses during a photo session in Paris on November 4, 2024.. AFP
Benazzi has already received major honors in France. He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1999 before being appointed an Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2008. His promotion to Commander of the same order was announced in 2025.
The rank of Commander is the third level of the National Order of Merit, following Knight and Officer and preceding Grand Officer and Grand Cross.
