Rabat – Moroccan goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch has joined French club Stade de Reims, leaving the Mohammed VI Football Academy to begin a new chapter in his young career.
The 18-year-old has reportedly signed a long-term contract with the French club after completing his medical examination. The move marks his first experience in European football and represents another important step in the development of one of Morocco’s most promising young goalkeepers.
Born in Casablanca in 2008, Bellaarouch developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, one of Morocco’s leading football development centers. He also represented Morocco at youth level, including at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Bellaarouch established himself as one of the continent’s most promising goalkeepers during the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, where he played a decisive role in Morocco’s historic title-winning campaign.
AFCON’s best goalkeeper award
Bellaarouch was particularly impressive during Morocco’s knockout-stage run. In the semi-final against Ivory Coast, he saved three penalties during the shootout to send Morocco into the final.
He produced another outstanding performance in the final against Mali. After the match ended 0-0 in regulation time, Bellaarouch saved two penalties during the shootout as Morocco secured a 4-2 victory.
His performance in the final earned him the Player of the Match award and further underlined his reputation as a goalkeeper who thrives under pressure.
Mohammed VI Academy’s fruit
Bellaarouch is a pure product of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, having spent his formative years developing at the renowned football facility in Sale.
The Casablanca-born goalkeeper was scouted, trained, and educated at the academy from a young age, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Alaa Bellaarouch. During his time there, Bellaarouch helped Morocco win the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
He also impressed at the U19 International Tournament, where he saved three penalties against Leeds United and earned goalkeeper MVP honors. His development at the academy eventually attracted European interest, leading to his move to French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.
A new challenge in France
Bellaarouch is expected to wear No. 40 at Stade de Reims and initially join the club’s Reims Révélations structure, which focuses on developing young players and preparing them for the professional level.
The move gives the Moroccan goalkeeper an opportunity to continue his development in the French football system while gaining experience in a highly competitive European environment.
His immediate objective will be to adapt to French football, strengthen his technical and physical qualities, and gradually work his way toward the senior squad.
Bellaarouch’s move also highlights the growing role of the Mohammed VI Football Academy as a pathway for Moroccan talent into European football.
After helping Morocco win an African title and establishing himself as one of the standout goalkeepers of his generation, Bellaarouch now faces a new challenge in France.
At Stade de Reims, the young goalkeeper will look to turn his success with Morocco’s youth teams and the Mohammed VI Academy into the foundation for a professional career in European football.
