Moroccan · Casablanca, Morocco · Born 19 April 2000Energetic and technically gifted Moroccan midfielder whose standout 2022 World Cup performances earned him a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Azzedine Ounahi was named to the Best XI of the 2022 World Cup after his composed, high-energy performances in Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals — the first African nation to reach that stage of the tournament — announcing him to a global audience and transforming his career trajectory overnight. He moved to France in 2018, beginning his professional career with Strasbourg's reserve team before spells at Avranches and Angers helped him develop. Ounahi joined Marseille in 2023, but it was his performances for the Moroccan national team that first brought him to wider global attention. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his composed passing and tireless work rate in midfield were instrumental in Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals, the first time an African nation had ever reached that stage of the tournament — a performance that saw him named to the tournament's Best XI. Ounahi's stock rose dramatically following that World Cup, though his subsequent club career included a loan spell at Greek side Panathinaikos before he moved to Spain's Girona in 2025, seeking a fresh platform to rebuild the momentum from his breakout international tournament. Ounahi has represented Morocco since his 2022 debut, remaining a key part of the midfield generation that reshaped expectations for African football on the world stage.
Key player in Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run
He was nominated for the 2022 Ballon d'Or following his World Cup performances — extraordinary recognition for a player who was barely known outside Morocco a few months earlier.
Did You Know?How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with strong dribbling and passing ability
Lasting Impact
Ounahi was part of Morocco's golden generation that achieved unprecedented success at the 2022 World Cup, inspiring a new wave of African football talent.
Career Honours
- WC 2022 Semi-Final (Morocco)
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg B | 2018–2020 | — | 35 | 1 |
| Avranches B | 2020–2020 | — | 2 | 1 |
| Avranches | 2020–2021 | — | 27 | 5 |
| Angers | 2021–2023 | — | 47 | 2 |
| Marseille | 2023–2025 | £32m | 28 | 3 |
| Panathinaikos | 2024–2025 | loan | 25 | 5 |
| Girona | 2025–Present | — | 24 | 5 |
 Morocco | — | — | 47 | 9 |
Moroccan Athletes