Ayoub El Kaabi has etched his name into the annals of European football history. The Moroccan international achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first player to net 11 goals in the knockout phase of a European competition, surpassing legendary figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Radamel Falcao.
El Kaabi’s milestone was reached during the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, where he scored a decisive goal.
His tally of 11 goals during the knockout stages not only set a new record but also eclipsed the previous benchmarks held by Ronaldo (2016/17), Benzema (2021/22), and Falcao (2010/11), each of whom had scored 10 goals in their respective Champions League and Europa League campaigns.
The 30-year-old striker’s journey to this historic achievement was nothing short of spectacular.
He demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities with a brace against Ferencváros, a hat-trick against Maccabi Tel Aviv, five goals in a thrilling series against Aston Villa, and a crucial strike in the final against Fiorentina.
Moreover, El Kaabi had already made his mark during the group stage of the Europa League, netting five goals before Olympiakos transitioned to the Europa Conference League.
His consistent performance throughout the tournament has not only highlighted his individual talent but also underscored his significance to his team.
In the final, El Kaabi’s goal in the 116th minute, validated after a tense VAR review, secured his status as the match’s standout player.
This goal not only clinched the victory for Olympiakos but also earned El Kaabi the distinction of being the first Moroccan to score in a European competition final.
His exceptional form ensured he finished as the top scorer of the competition, a testament to his clinical finishing and relentless drive.
El Kaabi’s extraordinary run in the Europa Conference League has captivated football fans worldwide, as he outshone some of the sport’s greatest names.
His record-breaking performance is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and impact on the field, marking him as a player to watch in the future.
As the dust settles on this year’s European competitions, Ayoub El Kaabi’s name will be remembered for his unprecedented achievement, setting a new standard for future generations of footballers.
🇲🇦 El Kaabi’s 11 Europa Conference League goals is a record for a UEFA knockout stage 👏#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/uDNmRyFgQ0
— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) May 30, 2024
