Rabat – Noussair Mazraoui has become one of Morocco’s most reliable players. The 28‑year‑old full‑back, who came through Ajax’s academy before playing for Bayern Munich and now Manchester United, featured in every minute of Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
Although Mazraoui is naturally a right‑back, his steady performances on the left were crucial to Morocco’s run to the final. The team conceded only once in the group stage and kept clean sheets throughout the knockout rounds.
AFCON Semifinal vs Nigeria performance
In the semifinal against Nigeria, Mazraoui played the full 120 minutes of a tense 0‑0 draw that was decided on penalties. Nigeria entered the match unbeaten and as the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals, but Mazraoui helped shut them down.
He won 13 of 18 duels, made four tackles, one interception, and six clearances. He also won 11 of 14 ground battles. His defensive discipline kept Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, two of the tournament’s best players from finding space, frustrating Nigeria’s attack.
Analysts commended Morocco’s full‑backs, with Hakimi on the right and Mazraoui on the left, for not only defending but also pushing forward to stretch Nigeria’s defense. Mazraoui added two key passes and completed 58 passes with 83% accuracy, showing his ability to support the attack even without scoring or assisting.
While goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s saves and Youssef En‑Nesyri’s decisive penalty sealed Morocco’s place in the final, Mazraoui’s performance embodied the team’s strength, discipline, and aggressiveness in one‑on‑ones.
Read also: Yassine Bounou, the Superhero Who Sends Morocco to AFCON Final
Tournament contributions
Throughout the AFCON, Mazraoui logged about 410 minutes, missing only a short spell in one group match, and became a key part of the back line.
Morocco’s defense has proved outstanding, conceding just once in the group stage and none in the knockout rounds – the best record in the tournament.
Mazraoui played a big role in that success. He was active near his own penalty area, breaking up attacks with tackles, interceptions, and clearances.
His contribution wasn’t only defensive. At times, he pushed forward to support the attack, an in earlier game, he created a chance with a run down the left.
These moments showcase his ability to combine defensive stability with attacking support.
Commentators note this balance in his performances, and his match ratings reflect it. Mazraoui has shown discipline at the back while also giving Morocco an extra option going forward.
Career and playing style
Mazraoui’s career at the club level has gone hand in hand with his progress for Morocco.
He joined Ajax’s academy at just seven years old and broke into the first team in 2018. With Ajax, he won three Eredivisie titles (2019, 2021, 2022) and the KNVB Cup, and in 2019 was named the club’s Talent of the Year after scoring four goals and providing four assists in 48 matches.
In 2022, Mazraoui moved to Bayern Munich, where he added the Bundesliga and German Supercup to his record. By early 2024, he had played 55 games for Bayern, scoring once and assisting eight times.
That summer, Manchester United signed him on a long‑term deal, with the club’s sporting director calling him a “dynamic full‑back” able to play on either side of the defense.
Internationally, Mazraoui has collected around 28 caps for Morocco. He was part of the team’s historic run to the World Cup semifinals in 2022 and carried that form into AFCON 2025, held in early 2026.
Mazraoui’s decorated club career and his consistency for Morocco underline his importance. As the Atlas Lions chase their first continental title since 1976, he remains a key figure, a full‑back who combines technical skill with resilience in big matches.
Morocco meet Senegal at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18 to determine the final winner of AFCON 2025.
