Morocco forward Youssef El-Arabi joins Greek side Marko

Greek second-division club Marko have confirmed the signing of Moroccan striker Youssef El-Arabi in one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer, bringing a player with a distinguished European pedigree to the club ahead of the new season.

He joins the Greek outfit for the upcoming campaign following the conclusion of his spell in France.

Despite joining a club competing in Greece’s second tier, El-Arabi’s arrival has generated enormous excitement among supporters and the wider Greek football community, underlining the reputation and popularity he built during his previous years in the country.

The 39-year-old received a memorable reception upon landing at Athens International Airport, where dozens of enthusiastic Marko supporters gathered to welcome their new star signing. Fans chanted his name, posed for photographs, and celebrated the arrival of a striker widely regarded as one of the most successful foreign players to have graced Greek football in recent years.

The Moroccan forward, visibly touched by the reception, greeted supporters before officially being unveiled by the club. Marko later confirmed that El-Arabi will wear the iconic number 9 shirt, a jersey traditionally associated with goalscorers and attacking leaders.

His signing is viewed as a major statement of intent by Marko, who are determined to strengthen their squad with experience and quality as they pursue their ambitions in the upcoming campaign.

El-Arabi arrives as a free agent after leaving French side FC Nantes at the end of last season. Although his role at Nantes was more limited than in previous stages of his career, he still managed to contribute effectively, making 27 appearances in all competitions while registering four goals and two assists.

However, it is in Greece where El-Arabi established himself as a true football icon.

The Moroccan striker enjoyed an extraordinary spell with Olympiacos between 2019 and 2024, becoming one of the club’s most prolific forwards in the modern era. During his five seasons with the Greek giants, he consistently delivered goals, leadership, and decisive performances in domestic and European competitions.

His time at Olympiacos was marked by remarkable success. El-Arabi helped the club secure three Greek Super League titles and a Greek Cup, while also playing a key role in some memorable European campaigns.

Among his greatest achievements was helping Olympiacos reach continental success, further cementing his status as a fan favorite and one of the club’s most respected foreign players.

Statistics from his spell at Olympiacos illustrate his immense impact. Across 225 appearances, El-Arabi scored an impressive 94 goals and provided 25 assists, establishing himself as one of the most productive strikers in the club’s history.

His goals came in crucial moments, whether in league matches, domestic cup competitions, or on the European stage. His ability to deliver under pressure earned him widespread admiration from supporters and opponents alike.

Even at 39 years of age, El-Arabi remains a highly respected figure due to his professionalism, experience, and natural goalscoring instincts. While many players at that stage of their careers begin considering retirement, the Moroccan forward continues to demonstrate a desire to compete and contribute at a high level.

For Marko, the acquisition of a player with such an accomplished résumé represents far more than a football transfer. The club is gaining a leader, a mentor, and a player whose experience at the highest levels of European football could prove invaluable in the dressing room.

Club officials are hopeful that El-Arabi’s presence will not only strengthen the team on the pitch but also inspire younger players seeking to develop their careers. His knowledge of Greek football and familiarity with the local environment are expected to ease his adaptation and allow him to make an immediate impact.

The move also marks a return to a country where El-Arabi enjoyed some of the finest moments of his professional journey. Having already built a strong connection with Greek football fans during his years at Olympiacos, the striker now embarks on a new challenge with the ambition of helping Marko achieve its objectives.

As the new season approaches, supporters will be eager to see whether the veteran marksman can once again showcase the clinical finishing and leadership qualities that made him a household name in Greece. While the stage may be different from the one he occupied at Olympiacos, expectations remain high that Youssef El-Arabi can bring his wealth of experience and winning mentality to Marko and write yet another memorable chapter in an already remarkable career.