Latest news with #MoncefZekri
Morocco World
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Starlet Zekri Signs Professional Deal with KV Mechelen
Morocco U17 international Moncef Zekri has signed his first professional contract with Belgian side KV Mechelen, committing to the club until 2028. The 16-year-old full-back has attracted interest from several European clubs following a breakthrough season that included two senior appearances in the Belgian top flight. Dutch side Ajax had shown interest but reportedly offered a place in their reserve squad – an option Zekri declined in favor of continuing his development in Mechelen's first team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KV Mechelen (@kvmechelen) The club moved quickly to secure the teenager's future, announcing the deal this week after what it described as 'serious interest from abroad.' U17 AFCON success Zekri played a key role in Morocco's successful 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He started every match in the competition and was part of the side that defeated Mali in a penalty shootout in the final. He was later named in CAF's Best XI of the tournament. Born in Brussels, Zekri has represented Morocco at U17 level 12 times and is widely regarded as one of the country's most promising left-backs. He is yet to feature for the senior national team. First-team breakthrough Zekri was promoted to KV Mechelen's senior squad late in the 2024-25 season due to injuries in the first team. He made his professional debut against Standard Liège before earning a starting place the following week in the club's final home match of the season. Coaches at Mechelen have praised his work rate, tactical awareness, and versatility – qualities that have led to comparisons with modern wing-backs. Zekri is expected to be part of the first-team setup for the 2025–26 campaign. Tags: afconAjax AmsterdamKV MechelenMoncef ZekriMorocco
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Zekri Set for Ajax Switch After U17 AFCON Heroics
Moroccan starlet Moncef Zekri is on the verge of signing his first professional contract with Ajax Amsterdam, capping off a breakout year for the highly-rated left-back. Zekri, 16, caught the eye of European scouts during Morocco's historic triumph at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Cubs clinched their first title after beating Mali on penalties. The youngster played every minute of the tournament and was named in CAF's Team of the Tournament. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International , Zekri has opted for Ajax despite serious interest from Bayer Leverkusen and the chance to stay with his current club KV Mechelen. Sources close to Zekri say Ajax's reputation for nurturing young talent and its Moroccan presence tilted the decision. Moncef Zekri (16) on his way to Ajax, reports @VI_nl The 16-year-old Moncef Zekri, winner of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, wants to continue his career at Ajax. The talented left-back could have also chosen Bayer Leverkusen or signed a professional contract with… — 𝗠𝗩𝗡_𝗘𝗡 | 🇲🇦 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 (@MVN_EN) May 3, 2025 Zekri is expected to join Ajax on a free transfer as he is not currently under a professional contract. The U17 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, attracted scouts from across the footballing world. According to CAF, over 200 club representatives attended matches, including scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Morocco's title run put the spotlight on several young talents, five of whom, including Zekri, were named in the tournament's Best XI. The final, played against Mali, ended goalless in regular time, before Morocco held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties. Goalkeeper Chouaib Belaarouch made two crucial saves, securing a historic first African trophy for the Atlas Cubs. Tags: Moncef ZekriMoroccou17 afcon
Morocco World
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Five Moroccan Players Named to CAN U17 Best XI After Historic Victory
Rabat — In a remarkable achievement for Moroccan football, five players from the national U-17 team have been selected for the Best XI of the 15th edition of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17). The prestigious selection follows Morocco's historic victory, as they claimed their first-ever U-17 continental title after defeating Mali in a tense final yesterday, April 19. The players chosen for the Best XI include: goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, right-backer Moncef Zekri, central defender Driss Aït Chiekh, attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazzane and left winger Ilies Belmokhtar. The Moroccan U-17 team led a remarkable performance throughout the tournament with these five players standing out for their skill and consistency. Morocco's triumph came after a dramatic 0-0 draw against Mali in the final, followed by a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout, securing their spot in football's history. This victory marks a significant milestone in Moroccan football, with the country's young talent gaining recognition on the continental stage. The inclusion of five players in the Best XI is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, displaying their dominant performance in the tournament. Tags: 2025 U17 AFCONAfrican footbalMorocco sports
