Maarouf Yussuf enters free agency after Al-Nasiriyah FC departure

Burkina Faso and Nigeria midfielder Maarouf Yussuf has joined the free-agent market after leaving Iraqi club Al-Nasiriyah FC.

The 33-year-old central midfielder’s move was recorded on 3 August 2026, bringing his latest spell to an end after he joined Al-Nasiriyah from fellow Iraqi side Naft Missan in September 2024. No transfer fee was recorded for either move.

Yussuf, who was born in Lagos and prefers his left foot, has spent much of his career in Egypt and Iraq. He began his senior career with Nigerian club Kwara United before moving to El Shorta in January 2011.

His longest and most successful association was with Zamalek, whom he joined from El Shorta in July 2014. During his time with the Cairo club, Yussuf won the Egyptian Premier League title in the 2014-15 season, three Egyptian Cups and the Egyptian Super Cup.

Yussuf left Zamalek temporarily for Al-Shorta on loan in September 2018, returning at the end of the 2018-19 season. He then spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at El Mokawloon before returning to Zamalek in October 2020.

The midfielder subsequently moved to Bank El Ahly in December 2020 and was without a club from September 2022 until joining Naft Missan in January 2024. He then switched to Al-Nasiriyah later that year.

Across his recorded league career, Yussuf has made 229 Premier League appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 16 assists. He has also featured in Egypt’s domestic cup competitions and in African club competitions, including the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

His continental record includes 18 CAF Champions League appearances, one goal and one assist, while he scored once in 13 CAF Confederation Cup matches. He also made two appearances in the Iraq Stars League during his time in the country.

Yussuf now stands without a club following his departure from Al-Nasiriyah FC on 3 August 2026.