1. Overview
Mustafa El Haddaoui, also spelled Mustapha El-Hadaoui (مصطفى الحداويMustapha El HaddaouiArabic), is a Moroccan former professional footballer who primarily played as a midfielder. Born on 28 July 1961 in Casablanca, Morocco, he holds both Moroccan and French nationalities. El Haddaoui is recognized for spending most of his professional club career playing in France. On the international stage, he was a prominent member of the Morocco national football team, featuring in the 1984 Summer Olympics and representing his country in two FIFA World Cups, specifically the 1986 FIFA World Cup and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Over his international career, he made 90 appearances and scored five goals for Morocco.
2. Early Life and Club Career
Mustafa El Haddaoui's early life saw him grow up in Morocco, where he began his footballing journey. His professional career later took him to France, where he spent a significant portion of his playing days.
2.1. Birth and Nationality
Mustafa El Haddaoui was born on 28 July 1961, in Casablanca, Morocco. He possesses dual nationality, holding both Moroccan and French citizenship.
2.2. Professional Club Career
El Haddaoui's professional club career was largely based in France. He is known to have played for prominent French clubs such as RC Lens and AS Saint-Étienne. His time in France formed the core of his professional football journey before his eventual retirement.
3. International Career
Mustafa El Haddaoui made significant contributions to the Morocco national football team, participating in numerous international matches and major tournaments. He registered 90 appearances for the national side throughout his career.
3.1. Major Tournament Appearances
El Haddaoui proudly represented Morocco in several prestigious international competitions. He was part of the Moroccan squad that competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. His presence was also felt on the global stage as he participated in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, serving as a key midfielder for the national team. These appearances include the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico and the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States.
3.2. International Goals
Mustafa El Haddaoui scored five goals for the Morocco national football team in official international matches. The details of these goals are as follows, with Morocco's score listed first in results:
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 24 October 1984 | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | Canada | 1-0 | 3-2 | Friendly |
| 2. | 3-2 | |||||
| 3. | 7 April 1985 | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | Malawi | 1-0 | 2-0 | 1986 World Cup qualifier |
| 4. | 15 November 1987 | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca | Ivory Coast | 1-0 | 2-1 | 1988 Summer Olympics qualifier |
| 5. | 16 March 1988 | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca | Algeria | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1988 African Cup of Nations |
4. Playing Style and Legacy
Mustafa El Haddaoui was primarily known for his role as a midfielder throughout his career. His playing style, while not explicitly detailed in available sources, contributed to his longevity and success in both club and international football. His career spanned significant periods, including playing professionally in France and consistently representing his national team in major international tournaments. His participation in two FIFA World Cups and the Summer Olympics highlights his standing as a notable figure in Moroccan football history, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated and influential player for his country.