Azzedine Ounahi

2.1. Early Life and Background

Azzedine Ounahi was born on 19 April 2000, in Casablanca, Morocco. His early life in Casablanca set the stage for his burgeoning football talent.

2.2. Youth Academy

Ounahi began his footballing journey in Morocco, where he was a player at Raja CA from 2010 to 2015. He also spent time at Miro Foot Academie before joining the renowned Mohammed VI Football Academy from 2015 to 2018. These academies were crucial in his development, providing him with the skills and discipline needed to advance in his career.

3.1. Early Professional Years

After his time in youth academies, Ounahi moved to France to continue his professional development. He joined RC Strasbourg B in 2018, where he played for two seasons. During his tenure with Strasbourg B, he made 35 appearances and scored 1 goal in the Championnat National 3. In August 2020, he transitioned to Championnat National club US Avranches. With Avranches, Ounahi made 27 appearances and scored 5 goals in the 2020-21 season, in addition to one appearance in the Cup. He also played 2 games for Avranches II, scoring 1 goal.

3.2. Angers SCO

On 14 July 2021, Ounahi signed a four-year contract with Ligue 1 club Angers SCO. He made a notable professional debut for Angers on 15 August 2021, scoring a goal in the club's 3-0 league victory against Lyon. During his time at Angers, Ounahi made 47 appearances and scored 2 goals across all competitions.

3.3. Olympique de Marseille

Following his breakthrough performances for the Moroccan national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ounahi attracted significant interest from top-tier European clubs. On 29 January 2023, he officially joined fellow Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille for an estimated transfer fee of 8.00 M EUR plus add-ons, securing a contract until June 2027. He scored his first goal for Marseille on his debut on 1 February 2023, in a match against Nantes. On 1 November 2023, Ounahi was nominated for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award by the CAF. During a friendly match against Brazil in March 2023, Ounahi suffered a fracture in his right toe, which required surgery and prematurely ended his football season. For Marseille, he has made 28 appearances and scored 3 goals. This includes 14 appearances in European competitions, with two in the UEFA Champions League and twelve in the UEFA Europa League.

3.4. Panathinaikos (Loan)

On 4 September 2024, Azzedine Ounahi moved to Greek club Panathinaikos on an initial season-long loan agreement, which includes an option for the club to purchase him permanently. As of February 9, 2025, he has made 16 appearances for Panathinaikos in the Super League Greece and scored 1 goal, along with 3 appearances and 1 goal in cup competitions, and 6 appearances in the UEFA Conference League.

4.1. Youth National Team

Ounahi was called up to the Morocco U20 squad to participate in the Football at the 2018 Mediterranean Games. On 22 June 2018, he scored a goal in the 68th minute of a match against Italy, which ended in a tie. His team went on to win the bronze medal in the tournament, securing victory in a penalty shoot-out against Greece. He made 2 appearances and scored 1 goal for the U20 team.

4.2. Senior National Team

On 23 December 2021, then-coach Vahid Halilhodžić gave Ounahi his first call-up to the Moroccan senior national team for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Ounahi made his senior international debut on 10 January 2022, in a 1-0 victory against Ghana during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. In only his fourth match for Morocco, on 29 March 2022, he scored a double in a decisive 4-1 victory against DR Congo in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification - CAF third round, marking his first goals for the national team.

On 10 November 2022, Ounahi was named in Morocco's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His performances during the tournament were highly praised, particularly in the round of 16 game against Spain, which Morocco won on penalties. Spanish manager Luis Enrique notably commented on Ounahi's exceptional display, stating, "My God, where does this guy come from? I was pleasantly surprised by their number eight. I don't remember his name, I'm sorry...". In the quarter-final match against Portugal, which Morocco won 1-0 to advance to the semi-finals, Ounahi demonstrated his significant impact by leading all Moroccan players in dribbles (three) and duels won (seven). Morocco ultimately finished fourth in the tournament, a historic achievement for an African nation.

On 17 January 2024, Ounahi scored his first ever goal in the Africa Cup of Nations during a 3-0 victory against Tanzania. He also scored on 11 June 2024, in a 6-0 win against Congo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. On 12 October 2024, he scored two goals in a 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. As of November 18, 2024, Ounahi has made 36 appearances and scored 7 goals for the senior national team.

4.3. Playing Style and Reception

Azzedine Ounahi is known for his role as an attacking midfielder. Standing at 72 in ^{(182 cm)} and weighing 137 lb ^{(62 kg)}, he is right-footed. His playing style is characterized by his elegance, industry, and strong dribbling abilities, which allow him to be a significant presence in midfield and an effective ball-carrier. His performances, especially during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, garnered widespread acclaim, exemplified by the surprise and praise from top coaches like Luis Enrique. He demonstrated his ability to influence critical matches through his offensive contributions and capacity to win duels, proving to be a key player for both club and country.

5.1. Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition, updated as of 9 February 2025.

5.2. International

Appearances and goals by national team and year, updated as of 18 November 2024.

Scores and results list Morocco's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ounahi goal.

6.1. Team Honours

• Mediterranean Games bronze medal: 2018 (with Morocco U20)

6.2. Individual Honours

• IFFHS Africa Team of The Year: 2022

6.3. Orders

• Order of the Throne: 2022