Zakaria Aboukhlal

Zakaria Aboukhlal was born on February 18, 2000, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He is of mixed heritage, being of Moroccan and Libyan descent. From a young age, Aboukhlal showed promise in football, developing his skills in the streets before joining local clubs. His dual heritage would later be significant in his international football career choices.

Zakaria Aboukhlal made his professional debut for PSV Eindhoven on October 19, 2019, in an Eredivisie match against FC Utrecht. As a young and promising forward, his debut marked the beginning of his professional football career. Although he was part of the PSV youth academy, his first match introduced him to top-tier Dutch football, showcasing his potential to a broader audience.

On August 31, 2020, Zakaria Aboukhlal transferred from PSV Eindhoven to AZ Alkmaar. This move was seen as a significant step in his career, as he joined a club known for developing young talent. At AZ, Aboukhlal hoped to gain more playing time and further develop his skills as a forward, aiming to establish himself in the Eredivisie and attract attention from bigger clubs.

Zakaria Aboukhlal made his international debut for the Moroccan national team on November 12, 2021, in a World Cup qualifying match against Sudan. Although born in the Netherlands, Aboukhlal chose to represent Morocco at the international level, leveraging his Moroccan heritage. His debut was a proud moment, showcasing his abilities on the international stage and contributing to Morocco's World Cup qualification efforts.

On January 18, 2022, Zakaria Aboukhlal scored his first international goal for Morocco during the African Cup of Nations match against Gabon. His goal was crucial in securing a draw for Morocco, helping them advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. This milestone highlighted Aboukhlal's growing importance to the national team and his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.

Zakaria Aboukhlal played an instrumental role in helping Morocco qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On March 29, 2022, Morocco faced DR Congo in a decisive qualification match. Aboukhlal's performance in this match, including key assists and defensive contributions, was pivotal for Morocco's successful qualification to the prestigious tournament to be held in Qatar, showcasing his international value.

Zakaria Aboukhlal transferred to Toulouse FC in France's Ligue 1 on September 15, 2022. This transfer was a significant step in Aboukhlal's career, offering him the chance to experience a new league and improve his skills against some of the best teams in Europe. Toulouse saw potential in Aboukhlal to bolster their attacking options, giving him the opportunity to prove himself in one of Europe's top leagues.

Zakaria Aboukhlal made his World Cup debut for Morocco on November 27, 2022, in a group stage match against Belgium. In this surprise victory for Morocco, Aboukhlal played a crucial role, helping secure a vital win. His World Cup debut was a testament to his dedication and skill, contributing to Morocco's impressive performance on the global stage and inspiring many fans around the world.

On May 10, 2023, Zakaria Aboukhlal and Toulouse FC won the Coupe de France, marking a significant achievement in his club career. The team's victory in the cup final was celebrated as one of the club's great successes, and Aboukhlal's contributions throughout the tournament were recognized as vital to their winning campaign. His performance in the final highlighted his growth and importance as a player.

Zakaria Aboukhlal played a vital role in Morocco's qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. On June 15, 2023, Morocco secured their place in the tournament with a decisive win. Aboukhlal's leadership and performance during the qualifiers were key to Morocco's success, establishing him as a cornerstone of the national team. His efforts ensured Morocco's participation in one of Africa's most prestigious tournaments.