Issam El Maach leaves FC Twente as Moroccan-Dutch goalkeeper becomes a free agent

Moroccan-Dutch goalkeeper Issam El Maach has left FC Twente and is now without a club after completing his departure from the Eredivisie side on 2 September 2026.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper had been part of the FC Twente setup since joining from RKC Waalwijk in July 2022. His departure comes after a spell in which he also spent time on loan at Roda JC during the 2024-25 season, returning to Twente when that temporary move ended on 30 June 2025.

El Maach began his senior career with RKC Waalwijk, joining the club in July 2021 after leaving Ajax U21. He moved to RKC as a free agent before switching to Twente a year later.

The goalkeeper developed at Ajax, progressing from the club’s under-19 side to Ajax U21. During his time with Ajax U19, he won the Dutch Under-19 Championship and the Dutch Under-19 Youth Cup in 2019.

Born in Heerlen, El Maach holds Moroccan and Dutch nationality. He stands 1.87m tall and is right-footed. His recorded market value at the time of his departure from Twente was €100,000, while his highest recorded value was €200,000.

El Maach’s latest recorded season with Twente began without a competitive appearance for the club. He was listed among the squad’s goalkeepers for Eredivisie matches and European qualifying fixtures, including the Conference League and Europa League, but did not feature before ending his association with the club.

His move to Twente in 2022 followed his time at RKC and represented a return to a club competing in the Netherlands’ top flight. The goalkeeper’s career has therefore remained centred on Dutch football, from his early development with VVV/Helmond Sport and Vitesse through to Ajax, RKC Waalwijk, Roda JC and FC Twente.

El Maach is now available as a goalkeeper after formally ending his time with FC Twente.