The anchor at the back
Nayef Aguerd, 29, is one of the first names on Morocco's teamsheet whenever he is fit and available. The Kénitra-born centre-back stands 190 cm and wears the No. 5 shirt for the national team, and this season he has made 13 appearances for Morocco across the Africa Cup of Nations and AFCON qualification — chipping in with 2 assists along the way.
At club level, Aguerd has had a busy 2025 season split between two employers. After brief stints with West Ham (2 Premier League appearances, 1 League Cup appearance), he moved to Marseille, where he has settled into Ligue 1 and also featured in the UEFA Champions League. Across all club competitions this season he has made 25 appearances and contributed 1 goal.
Reading the numbers
For a centre-back, the two assists in 13 Morocco appearances this season hint at a defender comfortable in possession and willing to play a part in build-up. His 7 appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations this season underline just how central he has been to the team's defensive shape in a high-stakes tournament environment.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Aguerd's experience, physicality, and consistency in both domestic and continental football make him one of the most important defensive presences Morocco can call upon.