Abde Ezzalzouli

Abde Ezzalzouli is a Moroccan winger whose direct running turns possession out wide into pressure inside the penalty area. His speed and close control let him carry the ball at defenders, then look for a shot or a pass across goal. That combination makes the run useful even when a teammate takes the eventual shot.

Born in Beni Mellal, he developed through Elche's youth teams before joining Hércules in 2018 and making his senior debut there in 2019. Barcelona recruited him for their reserve side in 2021. On 30 October that year, he made his first-team debut against Alavés, coming off the bench to play on the wing.

A loan to Osasuna for 2022/23 gave him a sustained place in top-flight football. His pace and ability to beat opponents contributed to a campaign that took the club to the Copa del Rey final. After returning to Barcelona, he joined Real Betis in September 2023.

His part in Betis's 2025 Conference League run went beyond providing width. He scored in both legs of the semi-final against Fiorentina, including the extra-time goal in Florence that settled the tie on aggregate. In the final against Chelsea, he controlled Isco's pass and finished low for the opening goal. He also carried the ball into the box to create a chance for Johnny Cardoso. Betis ultimately lost 4–1.

For Morocco, he appeared at the 2022 World Cup as the team reached the semi-finals. The following summer brought a different achievement with the under-23 side: Morocco won the 2023 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, and Ezzalzouli received the Golden Boot after scoring three goals.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he helped Morocco win their first football medal. He opened the scoring against Egypt with a curling shot from near the edge of the penalty area in the bronze-medal match. Morocco's 6–0 victory added an Olympic podium finish to his international development.

He played in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time in Rabat in January 2026. In March 2026 CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final and awarded the title to Morocco; Senegal took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In June 2026 he injured a knee in a warm-up match against Norway and was withdrawn from Morocco's World Cup squad.