Moroccan · Bourg-de-Péage, France · Born 26 March 1990Romain Saïss is a Moroccan footballer who captained Morocco during their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals and the country's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Romain Saïss captained Morocco as the country made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting the semi-final defeat to France as the Atlas Lions became the first African nation ever to reach that stage — a landmark achievement he had helped build over years as the team's defensive cornerstone and, since 2019, its captain. He progressed through Clermont, Le Havre, and Angers in Ligue 2 and Ligue 1 before moving to England's Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2016. Saïss spent six seasons at Wolves, helping the club win the Championship title in 2017-18 and establish itself in the Premier League, playing across both central defence and defensive midfield. Capped by Morocco since 2012, he was named national team captain in 2019 and led the side through a transformative era, including its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals in Qatar — the first African nation ever to reach that stage — starting the semifinal defeat to France before being forced off with injury. Saïss continued as Morocco's captain through the following seasons at clubs including Beşiktaş and Al Sadd, and led the team to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, where Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal on the pitch, only for the result to be controversially overturned by CAF months later and awarded to Morocco by default after Senegal's players briefly left the field in protest during the match. Saïss announced his retirement from international football in February 2026 after 86 caps, describing it as the conclusion of the most beautiful chapter of his football career.
Captaining Morocco through its historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph
How They Played
Versatile, combative defender capable of playing centre-back or defensive midfield
Lasting Impact
A cornerstone of Morocco's rise to prominence in international football, leading the team through its most successful modern era
Career Honours
- Africa Cup of Nations winner and captain (2025, awarded after CAF ruling)
- FIFA World Cup semifinalist and captain (2022)
- EFL Championship winner (2018, Wolverhampton Wanderers)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Valence | 2010–2011 | — |
| Clermont | 2011–2013 | — |
| Le Havre | 2013–2015 | — |
| Angers | 2015–2016 | — |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2016–2022 | — |
| Beşiktaş | 2022–2023 | — |
| Al Sadd | 2023–present | — |
Moroccan Athletes