Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui Set for AFCON Glory After AS Roma Move

Neil El Aynaoui has taken a significant step in his football career, now representing Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 24-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Lens in Ligue 1, recently signed a five-year contract with AS Roma, marking a pivotal moment as he competes in his first major continental tournament.

Born in Nancy, France, El Aynaoui grew up in the shadow of his father, Younes El Aynaoui, a former Moroccan tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of 14th in the world in 2003. Although he was encouraged to pursue tennis, Neil’s passion for football ultimately led him to the pitch. “I’ve always loved football more than tennis, and my father encouraged me to follow my passion,” he stated on Roma’s website.

Inspired by Iniesta

El Aynaoui wears the number eight shirt in homage to his football idol, Andrés Iniesta. “Since I was a kid, I adored Iniesta. He’s my role model and inspiration. I try to match his creativity,” El Aynaoui shared. His dynamic playing style and versatility caught the attention of AS Roma after two standout seasons with Lens, where he made 49 league appearances and scored nine goals.

Reflecting on his transition to Serie A, he remarked, “It’s completely different from French football. I don’t know if I’ll score as many goals, but I’m confident I’ll help the team even without scoring. Numbers aren’t the most important thing — giving everything you have is.”

El Aynaoui made his international debut for Morocco earlier this year and has since earned seven caps. He started in the recent match against Comoros, helping the Moroccan team kick off their AFCON campaign with a solid victory. As Morocco prepares for upcoming matches against Zambia and Mali, excitement is building among fans following the team’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Facing Brazil and Beyond

Morocco’s draw for the 2026 World Cup places them in a challenging group, facing five-time champions Brazil, alongside Scotland and Haiti. “It’s a dream come true. Facing Brazil at a World Cup is something I’ve wished for since childhood,” El Aynaoui expressed. He acknowledged Brazil’s exceptional talent and commented on the competitiveness of their group.

El Aynaoui’s ambitions extend beyond mere participation in tournaments. He believes that Morocco’s historic achievements in Qatar have shifted perceptions of African football. “After 2022, things are different. African teams can go far — we’re no longer here just to take part,” he stated confidently.

As El Aynaoui continues to develop his skills in Italy and represents Morocco on an international stage, he remains focused on making a lasting impact in football. With his passion and dedication, the young player is poised to contribute significantly to his team’s future successes.