Azzedine Ounahi: Age, Career, Club, Height and World Cup Journey

Introduction

Azzedine Ounahi is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Girona FC and the Morocco national team. He became internationally famous during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his passing, dribbling and calm movement helped Morocco become the first African men’s team to reach a World Cup semifinal.

As of July 2026, Ounahi is 26 years old and remains under contract with Girona until June 2030. He also represented Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice against Canada as his country reached the quarterfinals.

Azzedine Ounahi Quick Profile

Information	Details
Full name	Azzedine Ounahi
Native name	عز الدين أوناحي
Date of birth	19 April 2000
Age	26 years old, as of July 2026
Birthplace	Casablanca, Morocco
Nationality	Moroccan
Profession	Professional footballer
Position	Central or attacking midfielder
Preferred foot	Right
Height	Approximately 1.82 metres
Current club	Girona FC
Club number	18
National team	Morocco
Famous for	Morocco’s historic World Cup performances

Who Is Azzedine Ounahi?

Azzedine Ounahi is a creative midfielder known for keeping control of the ball in difficult situations. He can move past defenders, carry the ball through midfield and create space for his teammates.

His career changed dramatically during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Before that tournament, many football supporters outside France and Morocco did not know his name. His confident performances against some of the world’s strongest teams turned him into an internationally recognised player.

Today, he is viewed as an important member of Morocco’s talented football generation. Readers interested in more global personalities and trending stories can also explore Spice Weekly.

How Old Is Azzedine Ounahi?

Azzedine Ounahi was born on 19 April 2000 in Casablanca, Morocco. He is 26 years old as of July 2026.

Most major football records give his birthday as 19 April 2000. An older Ligue 1 profile displayed 18 April, but FIFA documentation and several established football databases support 19 April.

His zodiac sign is Aries.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Early Life

Ounahi grew up in Casablanca and learned many of his early football skills by playing in his neighbourhood.

He was not always the biggest or physically strongest player. This encouraged him to depend on technique, balance and quick thinking. Those childhood experiences helped create the smooth playing style for which he later became famous.

Ounahi spent part of his youth career with Raja Club Athletic. He then continued his development at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, one of Morocco’s most important centres for young football talent.

The academy helped him improve his fitness, discipline and understanding of professional football. FIFA later highlighted his journey from Casablanca to international success in its official feature about the development of Azzedine Ounahi.

Starting His Career in France

Ounahi moved to France in 2018 and joined the reserve team of RC Strasbourg.

His early years in France were not glamorous. He played in the lower divisions, away from the worldwide attention that would come later. However, this period allowed him to adjust to European football and improve his tactical awareness.

He made 35 league appearances for Strasbourg B and scored one goal.

In 2020, Ounahi joined US Avranches in France’s Championnat National. He scored five league goals in 27 appearances during the 2020–21 season.

His performance at Avranches proved that he could compete at a higher level. Within one year, he moved from the French third tier to Ligue 1.

Breakthrough at Angers

Angers SCO signed Ounahi in July 2021.

He made a memorable Ligue 1 debut against Lyon on 15 August 2021. Ounahi scored as Angers completed an impressive 3–0 victory.

He went on to make 47 league appearances and score two goals for Angers. More importantly, his performances earned him a place in Morocco’s senior national team.

Angers gave Ounahi the opportunity to display his intelligence and technical quality against top-level opponents. It was the final step before his international breakthrough.

Morocco National Team Debut

Ounahi received his first senior Morocco call-up before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, which was played in early 2022.

He made his senior international debut against Ghana on 10 January 2022. Morocco won the match 1–0.

Ounahi scored his first two international goals against DR Congo on 29 March 2022. Morocco won 4–1 and secured qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His ability to remain calm in important matches soon made him a trusted member of the national team.

Azzedine Ounahi at the 2022 World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the defining moment of Ounahi’s career.

Morocco produced one of the greatest performances by an African team in World Cup history. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium during the group stage before overcoming Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds.

Ounahi played with remarkable confidence throughout the tournament. His quick movement, close control and passing helped Morocco compete against teams filled with internationally famous players.

Following Morocco’s victory over Spain, Spanish coach Luis Enrique publicly praised Morocco’s number eight. His reaction showed how quickly Ounahi had impressed leading football experts.

Morocco became the first African and Arab men’s team to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal. The team eventually finished fourth after losing the third-place match against Croatia.

Ounahi entered the competition as a relatively little-known Ligue 1 player. He left Qatar as one of the tournament’s breakthrough stars.

Transfer to Marseille

Olympique de Marseille signed Ounahi from Angers on 29 January 2023.

Reports valued the transfer at approximately €8 million plus possible bonuses, although the clubs did not publish every financial detail.

Ounahi made an immediate impact. He scored on his Marseille debut in a 2–0 victory over Nantes on 1 February 2023.

His early progress was interrupted by a fractured toe suffered while representing Morocco against Brazil in March 2023. The injury required surgery and ended his season.

Ounahi eventually played 44 matches and scored three goals for Marseille across all competitions.

Loan Move to Panathinaikos

In September 2024, Ounahi joined Greek club Panathinaikos on a season-long loan from Marseille.

The move gave him an opportunity to play regularly and regain his best form. During the 2024–25 season, he recorded five goals in 25 Greek league appearances.

Across all competitions, he played 37 matches and scored six goals.

His performances were appreciated by the club’s supporters, who selected him as Panathinaikos’ player of the season.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Girona Career

Girona completed the permanent signing of Ounahi from Marseille on 30 August 2025.

The midfielder signed a five-season contract running until 30 June 2030. The agreement was confirmed through Girona FC’s official announcement.

During the 2025–26 Spanish league season, Ounahi recorded:

• 24 league appearances
• Five goals
• Two assists
• More than 1,700 minutes of playing time

His contract makes Girona his confirmed club as of July 2026. Reports linking him with other clubs should be treated as transfer speculation unless an official agreement is announced.

Azzedine Ounahi at the 2026 World Cup

Ounahi represented Morocco again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco reached the knockout rounds and faced co-host Canada in the round of 16. Ounahi played in a more advanced role and scored two goals during Morocco’s 3–0 victory.

The performance showed that he could contribute as a goalscorer as well as a creative midfielder.

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals, where France won 2–0. Although Morocco did not repeat its 2022 semifinal appearance, reaching the final eight again confirmed the country’s place among the strongest international teams.

What Position Does Azzedine Ounahi Play?

Ounahi mainly plays as a central midfielder, but he can also operate as an attacking or box-to-box midfielder.

His most important qualities include:

• Close ball control
• Fast changes of direction
• Progressive dribbling
• Intelligent passing
• Movement between defensive lines
• Ability to play under pressure
• Creative combination play
• Forward runs from midfield

Ounahi is not a traditional defensive midfielder. His main strength is helping his team move the ball from midfield into attacking areas.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Playing Style

Ounahi has named Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta as one of his football inspirations. The influence can be seen in the way he protects the ball and escapes pressure.

He often receives possession in crowded areas. Instead of immediately passing backwards, he looks for space to turn, dribble or move the ball forward.

His body movement can make him difficult to tackle. He also helps create passing angles for teammates who are being closely marked.

This technical approach makes him especially useful against teams that press aggressively.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Height

Azzedine Ounahi is approximately 1.82 metres tall, equal to about six feet.

Different sports databases sometimes show small measurement variations. Girona-related profiles and several leading football records place him close to 1.82 metres.

Is Azzedine Ounahi Married?

No trustworthy public source clearly confirms that Azzedine Ounahi is married.

He has kept his personal and romantic life away from public attention. Claims about a wife, girlfriend or children should not be treated as facts without confirmation from Ounahi or a dependable source.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Family

Limited verified information is publicly available about Ounahi’s parents and siblings.

He has spoken about his upbringing and the importance of football in his childhood, but he has not made extensive details about his family part of his public career.

For this reason, unconfirmed names and family claims circulating on biography websites have been excluded.

Azzedine Ounahi’s Salary and Net Worth

Azzedine Ounahi’s exact salary and net worth have not been publicly confirmed by his club or representatives.

Many websites publish estimates, but such figures often lack evidence. His known income sources include his professional football contracts and possible commercial partnerships.

A responsible biography should not present an estimated net worth as a verified financial fact.

Major Career Achievements

Ounahi’s important career achievements include:

• Representing Morocco at under-20 level
• Winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Mediterranean Games
• Scoring on his Ligue 1 debut for Angers
• Helping Morocco qualify for the 2022 World Cup
• Reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinal
• Becoming the first African men’s World Cup semifinal generation
• Earning selection in the IFFHS Africa Team of the Year for 2022
• Being named Panathinaikos’ player of the season for 2024–25
• Scoring twice against Canada at the 2026 World Cup
• Helping Morocco reach the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals

Why Is Azzedine Ounahi Famous?

Azzedine Ounahi is famous because of his performances for Morocco at the FIFA World Cup.

His rise is also remarkable because he moved from France’s third division to a World Cup semifinal in approximately 18 months.

He did not become successful through early worldwide fame. He developed step by step, improving at Strasbourg B, Avranches and Angers before earning international recognition.

His story shows that a talented player can reach football’s highest level through patience, technical development and strong performances.

Interesting Facts About Azzedine Ounahi

• He was born and raised in Casablanca.
• He developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.
• He played in France’s third division before reaching Ligue 1.
• He scored on his Ligue 1 debut for Angers.
• He scored on his Marseille debut.
• His first two Morocco goals came in the same match.
• The 2022 World Cup made him internationally famous.
• Andrés Iniesta is one of his football inspirations.
• He scored twice in a 2026 World Cup knockout match.
• He is contracted to Girona until June 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Azzedine Ounahi?

Azzedine Ounahi is a Moroccan professional midfielder who plays for Girona FC and the Morocco national team.

How old is Azzedine Ounahi?

He is 26 years old as of July 2026. He was born on 19 April 2000.

Where was Azzedine Ounahi born?

He was born in Casablanca, Morocco.

What is Azzedine Ounahi’s height?

He is approximately 1.82 metres, or six feet, tall.

Which club does Azzedine Ounahi play for?

As of July 2026, he is contracted to Girona FC until June 2030.

What position does Azzedine Ounahi play?

He mainly plays as a central midfielder. He can also play in an attacking or box-to-box role.

Why is Azzedine Ounahi famous?

He became famous for helping Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup semifinal and for his impressive technical midfield performances.

Is Azzedine Ounahi married?

No reliable public source clearly confirms that he is married.

What is Azzedine Ounahi’s net worth?

His net worth has not been confirmed by a dependable public source.

Did Azzedine Ounahi play at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. He scored twice against Canada and helped Morocco reach the quarterfinals.

Final Thoughts

Azzedine Ounahi’s journey is one of rapid progress and patient development. He began by learning football in Casablanca, continued his education in Morocco’s academy system and worked through the lower levels of French football.

His intelligence and technical ability eventually carried him to Ligue 1, Marseille, Panathinaikos, Girona and the Morocco national team.

The 2022 World Cup introduced him to the world, while his two goals against Canada in 2026 proved that his first breakthrough was not a single memorable moment. Ounahi remains an important part of Moroccan football and a strong example for young players who dream of reaching the highest level.