It felt like a dream come true when almost exactly a year ago today, Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As coach Walid Regragui and his squad scratched their names in history books by becoming the first African and Arab team to ever reach the final four of the quadrennial tournament, the feat united the entirety of the Middle East, who finally saw themselves represented on the grand stage of international football.
By successively beating two former colonizing powers, namely Spain and Portugal, before exiting the prestigious competition against France during the semi-finals, the stellar run remains etched in the collective memory of many, evoking enduring pride among the natives of the North African kingdom and their supporters. Initially perceived as an underdog, the squad defied expectations and went on to become the first team to achieve the highest rank among non-European and South American teams in FIFA’s official rankings post-World Cup. In doing so, they shattered all preconceived notions about the traditional football powerhouses.
Having achieved what history often deemed impossible from our side of the globe, several players, once relegated to relative obscurity or underestimation, began garnering substantial amounts of attention, capturing the keen interest of media outlets and scouts. As expected, this newfound level of recognition prompted many of the key figures instrumental in Morocco’s sporting success to leave their respective affiliations and set their sights on opportunities within more coveted teams and leagues.
Below, an overview of the career trajectories of each player who constituted the historic starting 11 that propelled their team to reach the semi-finals, one year after their remarkable achievement.
Yassine Bounou
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Unfortunately for Yassine Bouno, his career did not take off the way many pundits and fans expected, despite being one of the most decisive goalkeepers during the 2022 World Cup. Once back to club-level football, the 32-year-old added another piece of silverware to his trophy cabinet by lifting Sevilla’s seventh Europa League title against Italy’s Roma, in which he played a key role by saving two penalty kicks in the penalty shootouts after a 1–1 draw. As the club experienced serious financial struggles, the Canada-born athlete did not manage to secure a move to a top-flight club and instead followed many of his peers in Saudi Arabia. Today, he is Al-Hilal’s first-choice goalkeeper and plays alongside the likes of Brazilian star striker Neymar and Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Achraf Hakimi
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Already renowned for his defensive flair on the pitch even before the World Cup, since Qatar, not much seems to have changed for Achraf Hakimi, who still currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. With three years left on his contract, we expect the 25-year-old to keep safeguarding his team’s goalposts for the foreseeable future— or, at least until they secure the elusive title that is missing from the club’s history: the UEFA Champions League trophy.
Jawad El Yamiq
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Since that fateful night in Al Thumama Stadium, Jawad El Yamiq’s return to club-level football hasn’t been the most pleasant. As his team Valladolid FC did not manage to retain its position in the Spanish league’s first division, the 31-year-old defender followed Morocco teammate Bouno and many others in signing with a Saudi club. Inking a deal with Al-Wehda FC soon after Valladolid was officially relegated, he has since made 10 appearances and scored one goal under his new banner.
Romain Saiss
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Arguably one of the most pivotal players in Morocco’s historic World Cup run, Romain Saiss did not manage to elevate his status to a higher-ranked team upon his return from Qatar. Despite rejoining Turkey’s Besiktas, a surprising move was made in July 2023, leading the athlete to Qatar’s Al-Sadd. The stint did not last long, as after three appearances, Morocco’s captain found himself on a season-long loan to Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.
Yahia Attiyat Allah
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The provider of the crucial assist that led to the goal that made the difference against Portugal and secured a spot in the World Cup’s semi-finals, Attiyat Allah stayed loyal to Wydad AC, one of Morocco’s most titled and esteemed football clubs. Despite missing out on the African Football League cup, after losing to South Africa in the final, the athlete’s dedication to the club remains steadfast.
Azzedine Ounahi
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Azzedine Ounahi is one of the very few in Morocco’s squad who leveled up following the tournament in Qatar. Mere weeks after his team’s exit, the 23-year-old leaped from Le Havre to Marseille, showing seamless integration. Marking a notable ascent in his career, the promising player is one of Morocco’s future leaders, and we do no doubt that he will be central in his national team’s next endeavors on the pitch.
Sofyan Amrabat
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In addition to Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabet is part of the small cohort of players who stepped up following the World Cup. Despite being a runner-up to the 2023 Europa Conference League, the Holland-born athlete inked a deal with one of England’s most prestigious clubs, Manchester United, who loaned him from Fiorentina. With over six months left on his contract, Amrabat is striving to prove his worth and carve out a substantial role in the team, while ultimately demonstrating the same skills that earned him a spot at Manchester United to begin with.
Selim Amallah
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Yamiq’s teammate, following Validolid’s relegation, Selim Ammallah embarked on a year-long loan to Valencia in the Spanish first league, where he has made only one appearance so far.
Soufiane Boufal
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Boufal’s journey post-World Cup has been disappointing. Ounahi’s former teammate also left Le Havre in the few weeks that followed the dream-like moment in Qatar, joining Qatari club Al-Rayyan on a three-year-and-a-half contract. Though most expected to see the skillful moves showcased during the competition mark a new beginning in his career, the 30-year-old is struggling to spark any kind of momentum that would make him shine in a more competitive league.
Hakim Ziyech
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Known as “The Wizard” for his enchanting ball control and magical touches, Hakim Ziyech did not have the easiest time upon returning to Chelsea in January 2023. Confined to his club’s bench despite captivating football fans for five consecutive weeks with his talent during the World Cup, the winger eventually extracted himself out of his legal battles tying him to the London-based club. His quest for a fresh start landed him in Istanbul’s Galatasaray over the summer transfer window.
Despite asking to leave the English capital, the move was blocked after his parent club allegedly submitted incorrect paperwork to Paris Saint-Germain, where he would have joined his Moroccan teammate Achraf Hakimi on the pitch.
Today, Ziyech has appeared seven times under his new banner, scoring two goals against Manchester United in the second league of the group stages of the 2023 UEFA Champions League.
Youssef En-Nesyri
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Little has changed for the most efficient Moroccan striker in the Champions League as Youssef En-Nesri still leads Sevilla FC’s attack and is regularly part of the starting 11. His impressive tally of nine goals in 19 appearances this season only solidifies his status as a key player and a potent offensive threat, while always playing a crucial role in his team’s success.
