Rabat – British newspaper The Guardian listed Moncef Zekri among the 60 best young football talents in the world for 2025. Zekri is a Moroccan left-back who plays for KV Mechelen in Belgium.
Zekri was praised for his ball control and technique. The Guardian described him as “unique with the ball at his feet,” able to dribble past defenders with ease and compared his style to Marcelo. The paper also noted that “he’s not the most physically imposing, but his natural talent is clear,” predicting a brilliant career for the player.”
Zekri rose quickly through the team ranks. He joined Mechelen’s U23 squad in January, won the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco in April under coach Nabil Baha, and signed his first pro contract in May.
On July 26 he became the youngest player to start in the Belgian Pro League this season. So far in 2025/26, he has played eight matches.
He is now a key part of Morocco’s U17 squad and is set to compete in the U17 World Cup in Qatar from November 3 to 27.
Zerkri Rise reflects the progress of Moroccan football in recent years. The country has invested in youth academies, scouting, and infrastructure.
This has helped develop a new generation of talented players who are now gaining recognition at the international level.
