Azzedine Ounahi: From 2022 Breakout to 2026
The Player Who Asked 'Where Did He Come From?'
Azzedine Ounahi is a central midfielder who became one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, where his graceful dribbling and surging runs lit up Morocco's run to the semi-finals. His performances were so striking that opposing coaches were reportedly left asking where he had come from.
That tournament catapulted a player who had been developing quietly in French football into one of the most talked-about midfielders in the world, earning a high-profile move and lasting fame among Moroccan supporters.
Where Ounahi Plays Now
As of June 2026, Ounahi plays for Spanish club Girona, having signed a contract that runs until 2030 in August 2025. The move marked a fresh chapter after a turbulent post-2022 period in which his club career did not always match the heights of his international form.
Settling at Girona has given Ounahi the regular football he needs to arrive at the 2026 World Cup in rhythm. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi kept faith in his quality, naming him in the final 26-man squad as a central midfield option.
His Role in the 2026 Squad
In Morocco's midfield, Ounahi offers something different from the defensive solidity of Sofyan Amrabat: progression, creativity and the ability to carry the ball through the lines. He is the player who turns defence into attack with a single driving run.
Under Ouahbi's system, Ounahi provides a link between midfield and the forwards, helping unlock deep-lying defences in knockout football. As of 25 June 2026, with Morocco in the Round of 32, his creativity could be the spark in a tight game.
A Second World Cup to Prove Himself
The 2026 World Cup is Ounahi's second, and it offers a chance to show his 2022 form was no flash in the pan. After an inconsistent few years at club level, this tournament is a platform to remind the world of his talent.
For Morocco, having a midfielder capable of game-changing moments adds an extra dimension in the knockouts. If Ounahi rediscovers his best, the Atlas Lions gain a creative weapon that few opponents will relish facing.
Frequently asked
What club does Azzedine Ounahi play for in 2026?
As of June 2026, Azzedine Ounahi plays for Girona in Spain, having signed a contract until 2030 in August 2025.
Is the 2026 World Cup Ounahi's first?
No. It is his second World Cup. He first played at the 2022 tournament, where Morocco reached the semi-finals.
Why did Ounahi become famous in 2022?
His skillful, energetic midfield displays during Morocco's 2022 semi-final run made him a breakout star and a fan favourite.