Moroccan Talent in Mexican Football: The Rise of Idrissi, El Ghezouani, and Mmaee
In the vibrant world of Mexican football, three key players of Moroccan descent have captured attention with their remarkable performances. Oussama Idrissi, Mourad El Ghezouani, and Ryan Mmaee, all born in Europe but with strong ties to Morocco, are currently making significant contributions to their respective clubs—Pachuca, Tijuana, and Atlas—in the ongoing Apertura 2026 tournament. As these talented forwards strive to lead their teams into the playoff phase, their journeys reflect the rich legacy of the Moroccan diaspora in the realm of sports.
This generation of Moroccan footballers stems from families who migrated from Morocco to various parts of Europe, America, and Asia. Their experiences highlight the cross-cultural connections that sports can foster. Many of these players have been trained in European academies, and upon reaching professional status, they faced the pivotal decision of representing either their country of birth or Morocco in international competitions. Notably, in the last three World Cups, the Moroccan national team, known as the "Atlas Lions," has featured a substantial number of players from the diaspora, showcasing the growing influence of these athletes on the global stage. In the upcoming North America 2026 World Cup, an impressive 19 out of 26 squad members were players of Moroccan descent living abroad.
Idrissi: A Rising Star in Liga MX
Oussama Idrissi was born in the Netherlands and honed his skills in the youth ranks of NAC Breda before debuting in the top flight with Groningen. His trajectory includes stints at esteemed clubs such as AZ Alkmaar, Ajax, and Feyenoord. Although he initially represented the Netherlands at youth levels, in 2019 he chose to don the Moroccan national colors after receiving an invitation from the Moroccan Football Federation. After playing for Sevilla, he made a strategic move to Mexico, joining Pachuca in 2023, drawn by the club's ambitions and the league's competitive nature. At 30 years of age, Idrissi has established himself as one of the most influential offensive midfielders and wingers in Liga MX. With 21 goals and 34 assists over 127 appearances for Pachuca, he has also helped the club secure the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2024. Notably, during Ramadan, Idrissi observes his faith by breaking fast during evening matches in Liga MX. Currently, Pachuca sits in twelfth place in the Apertura 2026 standings, requiring a victory against Atlas and favorable results in other matches to secure a playoff spot.
Mourad Doudi El Ghezouani, another notable figure, was born in Murcia and holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship. Despite his dual nationality, he has yet to receive a call-up to represent either national team. The 28-year-old forward began his scoring journey at the Spanish club Torre-Pacheco and had brief spells in the Spanish second division with Elche and Burgos. In 2025, he made the leap to Mexican football by signing with Tijuana, where he competes for a starting position alongside Brazilian striker Elias Manoel and Diego Abreu, the coach’s son. El Ghezouani is Tijuana’s second-leading scorer in the Apertura 2026, netting four goals, while the team currently holds the sixth position in the standings, poised to advance to the quarterfinals if they win their upcoming match against Necaxa.
Finally, Ryan Mmaee’s journey from Belgium to the Mexican league underscores the globalization of football. After developing his youth career at Gent and later Standard Liège, Mmaee ventured through various European leagues, including Denmark, Cyprus, Hungary, England, and Austria. Having represented Belgium at youth levels, he made a pivotal decision in 2016 to represent Morocco. This summer, he joined Atlas as part of a renewed project under new ownership. The 29-year-old forward describes himself as a well-rounded striker who enjoys collaborating with teammates, exploiting spaces, retaining possession, and creating scoring opportunities. In his inaugural tournament with Atlas, he has already scored three goals, helping the team secure fourth place in the standings. With a draw against Pachuca, Atlas can secure their position in the playoffs for the Apertura 2026.
As these Moroccan players continue to shine in Mexico's Liga MX, their stories inspire many and highlight the vital role of the Moroccan diaspora in the global sports landscape.
As reported by udgtv.com.
