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Rabat – Following Morocco’s fairy tale journey at the Qatar World Cup in 2022, the Atlas Lions gained widespread popularity and featured among the best footballers in the world.
Five Moroccan football players have made it to the list of the 100 best male footballers in the world for the year 2022. Compiled by the British newspaper the Guardian, the list featured Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, and Azzedine Ounahi.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi came in the 16th spot, jumping up by 22 spots compared to his place in 2021. Meanwhile, Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who plays for Spanish club Sevilla FC, ranked the 43rd-best footballer in the world.
Bounou particularly emerged as a key player for Morocco in the global tournament due to his iconic saves.
Atlas Lions’ goalkeeper was followed by Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the 49th place. Amrabat, who plays as a midfielder for Italian club ACF Fiorentina, displayed high stamina and asserted his dominance on the pitch during the World Cup.
“That tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup semi-final summed up the indefatigable spirit that has earned Amrabat a place in the top 50 on his first appearance in our list,” said the Guardian.
Read also: Morocco’s Market Value Increases by 77.2% After Qatar World Cup
The list would not have been complete without Hakim Ziyech, who is now one of the most sought-after Moroccan players following the tournament in Qatar.
The Guardian ranked Ziyech in 63rd place, describing him as the “creative force behind Morocco’s run to the semi-finals.” The British newspaper expects the year 2023 to be “a big one for the winger.”
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ounahi, who claimed the 79th spot on the list, made international headlines following the global event, as he caught the attention of several elite European clubs for his spectacular performance and dribbling skills.
Ounahi, whose market value appreciated by a record of 328.5% after the World Cup, sealed his transfer deal with French club Olympique de Marseille last week.
