By the numbers
Ayoub El Kaabi has made himself impossible to ignore this season. The 32-year-old Casablanca-born forward — listed as a midfielder but operating as a centre-forward — has registered 21 goals and 3 assists in 40 appearances for Olympiakos Piraeus across all competitions this season. In the Greek Super League 1 alone he has struck 18 times in 27 games, while contributing 2 goals and 1 assist across 10 UEFA Champions League appearances. Those are serious numbers at any level.
Holding the line for Morocco
Wearing the No. 20 shirt, El Kaabi has been a regular presence for Morocco this season, turning out 14 times across all matches. He has 4 goals and 1 assist to his name in those appearances — 3 goals and 1 assist coming in 7 Africa Cup of Nations matches, with a further goal across 6 AFCON qualification appearances. At 6 ft (182 cm), he offers a physical presence alongside the technical quality that Morocco's system demands.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, consistent performers at this level of output are exactly what the national team's planning revolves around. El Kaabi's form this season makes a strong case that he belongs in that conversation.