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Ayoub El Kaabi, the humble Moroccan striker on earth, but always on fire during the AFCON!
In the dynamic landscape of sports and the national economy, certain individual trajectories transcend the mere framework of the field to become true lessons of life and professional success. In 2026, as the Kingdom continues to assert itself as a hub of diverse talents, the story of Ayoub El Kaabi resonates with a particular strength. Far from the typical academic paths, this Moroccan striker embodies perseverance and adaptability, values dear to today’s job market.
From the carpentry workshop to the heights of Moroccan football
Unlike many teammates trained in prestigious academies like that of Mohammed VI, El Kaabi is a striking example of atypical success. His journey reminds us that the paths to excellence are not always linear. Born in a popular neighborhood of Casablanca, he left school very early, at the age of 15, to work as an apprentice carpenter. This hardworking past, rooted in the reality of manual labor, forged in him an impeccable work ethic.
He only signed his first professional contract at 21, an age considered late in the modern football industry. Yet, this delayed entry into the professional world allowed him to develop rare maturity and resilience. For recruiters and young job seekers, his story proves that transferable skills and determination can compensate for the lack of initial classical training.
Walid Regragui, the national coach, often cites El Kaabi as an example for Moroccan youth. Whether carpenters, students, or aspiring athletes, the lesson is the same: hard work always pays off. This “builder” mentality, acquired in the workshops, is now found in the way he builds his matches: brick by brick, effort after effort.
A blazing performance: efficiency through humility
If Ayoub El Kaabi is known to be humble on earth, he literally transforms when he steps onto the pitch. His style of play, often described as unorthodox, is remarkably effective. He is capable of appearing where he is least expected, scoring spectacular goals, often with acrobatic overhead kicks that defy gravity. This ability to be on fire during critical moments, particularly during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), makes him a major asset.
His instinct as a goal scorer has not dulled over the years. On the contrary, his international experiences, from China to Turkey via Qatar and Greece, have enriched his technical palette. He has navigated through diverse football cultures, demonstrating an intercultural adaptability that any professional expatriate or international worker would envy.
Resilience in the face of career setbacks
El Kaabi’s trajectory has not been without obstacles. He faced unexpected returns to his country, such as during the pandemic, or left clubs following natural disasters like the earthquake in Turkey. Each time, he bounced back with silent dignity. He did not complain when he was not selected for the 2022 World Cup, preferring to respond on the field through hard work.
This is the attitude sought today in Moroccan companies: collaborators capable of managing crises with composure and turning failures into opportunities for growth. The impact of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco and its enthusiasm continue to uphold these values, reminding us that collective success relies on strong individuals devoted to the group.
Statistics and journey: a steady rise in power
To better understand the progression of this exceptional player, it is interesting to analyze the key stages of his career. This table shows how patience and strategic choices built his reputation.
| Period 📅 | Key Stage 🚀 | Demonstrated Skill 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Early years – 21 years | Racing de Casablanca (Botola 2) | Perseverance and local ambition |
| 2018 – 2019 | Hebei China Fortune | Risk-taking and expatriation |
| 2020 – 2023 | Wydad, Hatayspor, Al Sadd | Adaptability and crisis management |
| 2023 – Present | Olympiacos & National Team | Leadership and consistency at the top level |
These data show that there is no such thing as a “small” start. Each stage served as a springboard for the next. It is a career strategy we often encourage: do not neglect intermediate experiences that shape character.
El Kaabi’s impact on the Africa Cup of Nations
During the Africa Cup of Nations, El Kaabi has often been the go-to man. His goals, scored from unlikely positions, have frequently unlocked complex situations against defensive teams such as the Comoros or Zambia in the past. In 2026, his aura continues to inspire, reminding us that Moroccan football draws its strength from the diversity of its profiles.
The coach insists that the “star” is the team. El Kaabi perfectly embodies this philosophy. He knows how to step back for the collective while being decisive when necessary. It is a subtle balance between personal ambition and serving the general interest.
Lessons to learn for Moroccan talents
Beyond sports, Ayoub El Kaabi is a role model for career management. Here are the pillars of his success that can inspire any professional:
- 🛠️ Valuing origins: Never forget where you come from; manual or field experience is a treasure.
- 🦁 Combativeness: Never give up in the face of refusal or non-selection (such as for the 2022 World Cup).
- 🌍 Mobility: Dare to go abroad to grow, whether in Asia, Europe, or the Gulf.
- 🤐 Humility: Let results (and performance) speak rather than making media noise.
- 🤸 Innovation: Know how to break the mold (or score acrobatic goals) to stand out.
In short, Ayoub El Kaabi remains this humble striker, feet firmly planted in Moroccan soil, but head always ready to soar to reach the stars. His story is an invitation to believe in one’s potential, no matter the starting point.
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Before signing his first professional contract at 21 years old, Ayoub El Kaabi worked as an apprentice carpenter after leaving school at the age of 15.
Why is Ayoub El Kaabi considered an example of resilience?
He overcame several obstacles, including not being selected for the 2022 World Cup and career interruptions due to COVID-19 and the earthquake in Turkey, coming back each time stronger without ever complaining.
What is El Kaabi’s characteristic style of play?
He is known for his goal-scoring instinct, efficiency in the penalty area, and ability to score spectacular goals, notably through acrobatic overhead kicks.
In which countries has Ayoub El Kaabi played during his career?
Besides Morocco, he has played in China (Hebei China Fortune), Turkey (Hatayspor), Qatar (Al Sadd), and Greece (Olympiacos).
What value does Walid Regragui primarily attribute to El Kaabi?
The national coach highlights his absolute humility and team spirit, citing him as a role model for Moroccan youth.
