Abde Ezzalzouli: Morocco’s agent of chaos

In a team that is expected to impose itself on opponents, Abdessamad “Abde” Ezzalzouli is a necessary weapon for hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tricky forward is playing an important role for coach Walid Regragui’s side and is not only entertaining for supporters to watch, but is playing an important tactical role with his style of play.

Tricky move, Ezzalzouli did! ✌️

Of course, he wins the #MoveOfTheDay. 🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @RexonaNG pic.twitter.com/rgqSHDTSGA

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 31, 2024

Born in Morocco but raised in Spain, the winger wasted no time building his reputation as a brilliant dribbler of the ball in the early days of his professional club career in the east of Spain. After impressing at Hércules CF and earning a transfer to the reserve team of Barcelona, Ezzalzouli made history by becoming the first player born in Morocco to feature for the senior team of the Blaugrana.

🇲🇦 On this day last year, Abde scored his first goal with Barça and now he has reached the semifinals of the World Cup.

Proud of you, Abde!#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/YzAyLU9yxk

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 12, 2022

And his potential was quickly recognized by his country of birth. While building his reputation in Spanish club football, the talented winger became a star for Morocco youth national teams.

Committing early to the Moroccan program, he first impressed at the 2020 Arab Cup U-20. Senior national team coach at the time Vahid Halihodzic wanted to bring the young talent to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but the decision was made to focus on club football. However, he became a star for his country at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations where the North Africans completely dominated their competition to win the tournament. He provided three goals and three assists in four matches.

He just makes it look so easy 🤤🪄

Ladies and gentlemen, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli 🙌#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/fhRSxIVu8O

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) July 17, 2023

And now, at the age of 24, Ezzalzouli’s career is in full flight for both club and country at the senior level. With current club Real Betis, he played an important role as they advanced to the final of the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and is now a reliable contributor for the Atlas Lions at the 2025 AFCON.

Morocco coach Regragui values possession and a methodical buildup against African opponents but it is clear that the tactician has a special appreciation for Ezzalzouli. Rather than attempting to break down the opposition with incisive passes, the Beni Mellal native prefers to use his pace and tricks on the ball to force the opposition defense to retreat and panic.

For a coach like Regragui, whose Atlas Lions are usually favorites against African opposition, the objective with a player like Ezzalzouli is territorial. When he receives the ball and instantly looks to move forward, it allows the Moroccan attack to camp deep in the opposition half where he advances the ball. Even if he decides not to cross the ball or get into the penalty area to shoot, Abde can pass to one of the team’s many skilled passers who can provide an accurate final ball.

Initially used as a substitute in the opening two matches, he is being trusted more and more by Regragui. After providing an assist in a 3-0 victory over Zambia to finish up the group stage, Abde was essential against Tanzania’s bunker in the 1-0 Round of 16 victory earlier this week. He was successful on six of his seven dribbling attempts and also put in eight crosses, half of which reached their targets.

The Atlas Lions have encountered some difficulties so far in the tournament as favorites. But a player like “Ez Abde” is an important weapon for coach Regragui, who continues to find solutions in his deep squad for the variety of situations and questions that can arise during a competition like the AFCON.

A dribbling prodigy who is now in his prime, Ezzalzouli might not get the attention of Morocco’s other stars but could make the crucial play that could be the difference between victory and defeat.