Morocco: Ounahi, Amrabat... what became of the heroes of the 2022 World Cup?

Ounahi, Amrabat, life in the spotlight is hard

Dazzling, sensational, exceptional, some even nicknamed him Zinedine Ounahi. Morocco's number 8, Azzedine Ounahi, lit up the 2022 World Cup with his talent. He gave Spain a football lesson in the round of 16. Spain's coach at the time, Luis Enrique, chose straight after the match to set aside the elimination and shower praise on the man who was then playing for Angers. "I was pleasantly surprised by number 8. I can't remember his name, I'm sorry... My God, where did this guy come from? He really plays well! He surprised me", he let slip. After that masterclass, Ounahi signed for Marseille. It was thought then that this was the start of a glorious adventure in the Phocaean city before a move to one of Europe's giants. Not a bit of it. The Moroccan is now at Panathinaikos.

In midfield, another Moroccan had stunned the world: Sofyan Amrabat. A tireless shield in front of the defence, he swallowed up every opponent, from the first round through to the knockout stages. Ruthless, with 4 lungs, Amrabat had the world at his feet. He was sought after by Europe's biggest clubs. He finally joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023, on loan from Fiorentina. His spell at the Red Devils was a flop for the midfielder, who played 30 matches in all competitions before leaving for Fenerbahçe last summer. The 28-year-old is also rediscovering his level under José Mourinho, with 29 matches (22 starts) for 2 goals and 3 assists. Morocco can welcome his return 9 months before AFCON 2025.

Hakim Ziyech's slide, Yassine Bounou in exile

Unlike Ounahi and Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech was already a star before playing at the 2022 World Cup with Morocco. The left-footer had shone at Ajax before joining Chelsea. But his time with the Blues was disappointing (14 goals, 13 assists in three seasons. After a failed short-term stint at Galatasaray, he joined Qatar's Al-Duhail SC in the most recent winter transfer window.

Yassine Bounou, phenomenal on his line during that World Cup, is now in exile in Saudi Arabia, at Al Hilal. Although he has won the Saudi Pro League and the King's Cup, he is now missing from the debate when the best African goalkeepers are discussed, most likely because of the lack of media coverage in the Gulf.

Hakimi, Aguerd, En-Nesyri, consistency

If one player symbolises Morocco, it is Achraf Hakimi. The right-back is arguably the best in his position today. And he was not far off it at the 2022 World Cup. As lively as ever down his flank (5 goals, 10 assists this season with PSG), the player who came through at Real Madrid has even improved defensively.

Read also: Achraf Hakimi, the reasons behind his rise

Still in defence, Nayef Aguerd remains in top form. First with West Ham, and now at Real Sociedad, the left-footer is as uncompromising as ever. Up front, Youssef En-Nesyri is simply monstrous this season. After leaving Sevilla, he is now at Fenerbahçe, where he already has 26 goals and 5 assists in all competitions. It is quite simply the best season of his career in statistical terms. Finally, coach Walid Regragui is still in post and is aiming to win AFCON 2024 in Morocco this coming December.