PROJECT OVERVIEW
A modern logo redesign for Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès (MAS), one of Morocco's most historic and celebrated football clubs. Founded in 1946 in the imperial city of Fez during the French protectorate era, MAS carries a legacy of national pride, sporting excellence, and cultural heritage. Known as "Lions of the North," the club needed a visual identity that honors its golden past while projecting confidence into the future.
THE CHALLENGE
How do you redesign a logo for a club steeped in 80 years of history without losing its soul? MAS needed a modern, versatile emblem that:
- Respects the iconic gold and black color scheme
- Incorporates rich Moroccan cultural symbolism
- Appeals to both traditional supporters and new generations
- Works across all media (jerseys, digital, merchandise)
- Conveys majesty, strength, and heritage
RESEARCH & CULTURAL CONTEXT
Historical Significance
MAS was founded during the nationalist movement as a club "for Moroccans, by Moroccans" in an era of colonial segregation. This makes it نادي شعبي (a people's club), symbolizing resilience, authenticity, and pride.
Golden Era
The club's victory in the 1985 CAF Champions League cemented its status as one of Africa's elite clubs, earning the nickname "Eagles" and creating a legacy of ambition and excellence.
SYMBOLISM & DESIGN ELEMENTS
Every element in this logo tells a story
The Crown
Represents Fez as an imperial city and MAS's regal status in Moroccan football. The geometric, three-peaked design echoes traditional Moroccan architectural motifs.
The Lion
A stylized Atlas lion profile embodies the "Lions of the North" nickname—fierce, proud, and powerful. The geometric construction references Islamic art patterns while maintaining modern clarity.
The Crescent
Integrated into the lion's form, the crescent symbolizes Moroccan and Islamic identity, while its dynamic curve suggests forward movement and ambition.
The 8-Pointed Star
At the heart of the design, this geometric star represents the precision and infinity of Islamic patterns found in Fez's historic architecture. It's a universal symbol of guidance and excellence.
Arabic Typography
The club's full name curves proudly around the top—المغرب الرياضي الفاسي—celebrating linguistic and cultural identity.
COLOR PALETTE
Gold ▉ #FFD700
Ambition, victory, prestige, and the club's golden era. It also echoes the warm glow of Fez's ancient medina walls at sunset.
Black ▉ #000000
Strength, power, resilience, and authority. The high contrast creates immediate visual impact.
Strength, power, resilience, and authority. The high contrast creates immediate visual impact.
White ▉ #FFFFFF
Used sparingly for the central star, providing clarity and depth while representing purity and excellence.
Used sparingly for the central star, providing clarity and depth while representing purity and excellence.
This non-negotiable palette is deeply entrenched in the club's identity and creates a striking, timeless aesthetic.
DESIGN APPROACH
Minimalist meets Meaningful
The logo uses clean, geometric lines and negative space to create a modern, professional look while layering deep symbolic meaning. Every curve, angle, and element serves both aesthetic and narrative purposes.
Versatility First
Designed to be instantly recognizable at any size—from social media avatars to stadium banners. The bold shapes and high contrast ensure clarity across all applications.
Heritage + Innovation
The design bridges MAS's 1946 heritage with contemporary logo design standards, creating a timeless emblem that respects the past while facing the future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This logo is more than a visual mark—it's a symbol of identity for thousands of passionate supporters. It captures the majesty of Fez, the fighting spirit of the Lions, and the golden legacy of Moroccan football excellence.
Every time a fan sees this crest, they should feel pride, connection, and the weight of history—while believing in the promise of victories yet to come.
Vive le MAS!
This is a personal concept project created out of admiration for MAS CF and the craft of sports identity design. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the club
