Morocco teenager Abdellah Ouazane named among the world’s top young talents

The Guardian has named Morocco international Abdellah Ouazane among the world’s 60 most promising young footballers in its annual Next Generation selection for players born in 2009.

The 17-year-old Ajax midfielder is part of a group of teenagers identified by the British newspaper as some of the most exciting emerging talents in world football.

Ouazane’s inclusion comes after a rapid rise that has taken him from the Ajax academy to the club’s first team and, more recently, into the Morocco senior squad.

From Amsterdam to the Atlas Lions

Born in Amsterdam on 15 January 2009, Ouazane began his football journey at local club AVV Zeeburgia before joining the Ajax academy at the age of seven.

Although he grew up in the Netherlands, he has Moroccan heritage and eventually chose to represent the Atlas Lions.

Ouazane initially played for the Netherlands at Under-15 level before switching his international allegiance to Morocco.

He subsequently represented Morocco at youth level and was part of the country’s Under-17 setup before making the step up to the senior squad.

His decision to represent Morocco had been signalled before his senior call-up, with the teenager previously making clear that playing for the North African country was one of his ambitions.

Rapid progress at Ajax

Ouazane has spent most of his football career within the Ajax system, progressing through the club’s youth ranks before moving into Jong Ajax and eventually breaking into the senior team.

Ajax handed him his first professional contract in August 2025, keeping him at the club until June 2028.

The Dutch club described him as a creative attacking midfielder capable of linking midfield and attack, creating chances with his passing and dribbling and contributing goals and assists.

Ouazane has identified the number 10 role as his preferred position, although his versatility allows him to play as an eight, winger or further forward.

His ability to use both feet, carry the ball and attempt difficult passes has helped distinguish him as one of Ajax’s promising young players.

He made his Ajax first-team debut during the 2025-26 season and has continued to feature during the opening stages of the 2026-27 campaign.

Eredivisie statistics show him making seven league appearances, including two starts, while he has also featured in Ajax’s European campaign.

Real Madrid move that fell through

Ouazane’s rise could have taken him to Spain before he established himself with Ajax.

Real Madrid reached an agreement to sign the youngster in the summer of 2025, but the proposed transfer collapsed after he failed the Spanish club’s medical examination.

Real Madrid did not publicly disclose the details behind its decision.

The setback ended what had appeared to be a major opportunity for the teenager, but Ajax provided him with another route to senior football.

Ouazane returned to Amsterdam and signed his professional contract with the Dutch club.

He has since described the failed move as a difficult experience but one that taught him important lessons about the football industry.

Morocco debut adds to rapid rise

His progress at Ajax eventually earned him a first senior call-up from Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi in September 2026.

Ouazane made his senior debut in a 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Gabon, coming on as a substitute.

At 17, the appearance made him one of the youngest players to represent Morocco at senior level.

His emergence has also been reflected in his rising market value.

Transfermarkt’s figures show that his estimated value increased from €1.5m to €8m in October 2026 following his breakthrough at Ajax and his Morocco debut.

That represents an increase of €6.5m in just a few months.

A prospect to watch for Africa

The Guardian recognition adds another milestone to a remarkable rise for the teenager.

For Morocco, Ouazane’s development represents another example of the country’s growing pool of young talent emerging at major European clubs.

Having already made the transition from academy football to Ajax’s first team and the Morocco senior squad, the teenager now has the opportunity to establish himself at both levels.

At just 17, his inclusion among the world’s leading young prospects suggests that Ouazane’s journey is only beginning.