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With his club KRC Genk, the Moroccan international has delivered outstanding numbers in 2025-2026: 12 goals and 4 assists across all competitions for El Ouahdi as of today. For a defender, that kind of output is incredible and it puts him at the very top of his position.
El Ouahdi is also outperforming some of the biggest names in his role.
Compared to Achraf Hakimi with PSG (3 goals, 7 assists) and Jurriën Timber with Arsenal (4 goals, 7 assists), his 12 goals show a completely different scoring impact. Others may contribute more creatively to the game but El Ouahdi’s ability to finish chances also sets him apart.
In the Belgian Pro League, he has registered 8 goals and 3 assists in 27 matches, ranking in the 89th percentile for goals per 90 minutes. He has also delivered in the UEFA Europa League with 4 goals in 9 games, including a brace against Dinamo Zagreb.
Despite these numbers, he’s often left out of mainstream conversations and the reason is: visibility.
Playing outside Europe’s “big five” leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) means performances in Belgium receive way less global attention.
But the numbers are telling. With a 0.3 goals-per-90 ratio, elite attacking output, and strong defensive contributions (including high passing accuracy and ball recoveries), El Ouahdi fits perfectly into the modern full-back profile.
Zakaria El Ouahdi 🇲🇦#UEL pic.twitter.com/sgla2cN2v6
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 12, 2026
Rising status
Recognition is starting to catch up. El Ouahdi has already been named “Belgian Lion 2025″, the best Maghreb player in Belgium and has seen his market value rise significantly, with growing interest from clubs in the top European leagues.
For Morocco this rise is particularly important. A bronze medalist at the 2024 Summer Olympics, he’s emerging as a genuine alternative to Hakimi in the national team.
He may not play in the most visible league. But based on performance alone, Zakaria El Ouahdi belongs in Europe’s elite right-back discussion.
