Moroccan football's growing influence in Europe has taken another exciting step forward, with Crystal Palace Academy confirming the signing of Taha Majni from Moroccan side Union Touarga.
The 18-year-old defender becomes the first player to move directly from Morocco's Botola Pro to a Premier League club, marking another important milestone for the country's rapidly developing football talent.
From Touarga to the Premier League
Majni came through the youth ranks at Union Touarga before making his senior debut in June 2025, featuring in the club's Excellence Cup semifinal victory over Wydad Fès.
His development continued rapidly as he established himself in senior football, making 17 appearances for the club, including 15 during the 2025/26 season and 13 starts.
His ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back has made him an exciting defensive prospect with the versatility to adapt to different tactical demands.
A World Champion at 17
Majni's rise also includes an unforgettable chapter with Morocco's youth national teams.
At just 17 years old, he was part of the Morocco side that made history by winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, securing the country's first-ever title at the competition.
The young defender was part of a remarkable squad that defeated Brazil, Spain, France, and Argentina on its way to becoming world champions.
That experience provided Majni with invaluable exposure to elite international competition at an exceptionally young age.
The Next Step: England
Majni has since continued his international progression, earning promotion to Morocco's Under-23 squad and collecting two caps in March.
He started Morocco's 2-2 draw against Côte d'Ivoire, further demonstrating the confidence placed in him by the national setup.
Now, his next challenge awaits in England.
Majni will join Darren Powell's Under-21 squad, where he will compete in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup, and the EFL Trophy.
"Very Excited to Begin This New Adventure"
Following his move to Palace, Majni expressed his excitement at beginning the next chapter of his career.
- "Palace are one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world. They have achieved a lot in recent years, so I'm very excited to begin this new adventure with the club."
Crystal Palace Academy Director Gary Issott also highlighted the young defender's rapid development.
- "Taha enjoyed an excellent 25/26 season, gaining valuable senior experience in the Moroccan top-flight and helping Morocco lift the Under-20 World Cup at just 17."
Issott added that the club believes Palace provides the right environment for Majni to continue developing his potential.
Another Moroccan Talent Heads to Europe
Majni's move represents another significant milestone for Moroccan football and its increasingly successful player-development pathway.
From Union Touarga's academy to senior football in the Botola Pro, a FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph, and now the Premier League environment, his journey illustrates the opportunities emerging for Morocco's next generation.
The adventure in England has only just begun, but for Taha Majni, a Moroccan world champion is now taking his next step toward the biggest stages of European football.