Moroccan international Mehdi Carcela has been honored for the third time with the “Belgian Lion” trophy in its 2019 edition. This award recognizes the best player of Arab origin in Belgium, highlighting Carcela’s consistent performances in the Jupiler Pro League.
Carcela, who plays for Standard Liège, reflected on his team’s objectives for the remainder of the season: “If we finish in the top three, it will still be a good season. A European spot would be a great reward after a difficult year.” He described the season as one of adaptation and adjustment, noting that the squad had to acclimate to a new system under a recently appointed coach. “It took time to integrate the new elements, but it gradually fell into place,” he added, emphasizing the progress made despite initial challenges.
This year, Carcela surpassed two Tunisian contenders for the award: Hamdi Harbaoui, a striker for Zulte Waregem, and Dylan Bronn, a defender for Gent. Born Mehdi François Carcela-Gonzalez on July 1, 1989, in Liège, he is of mixed heritage, with a Spanish father and a Moroccan mother, and also holds Belgian nationality. His career has seen him establish himself as a key figure at Standard Liège, where his technical skills and vision in midfield have been instrumental for the team.
On the international stage, Carcela has represented Morocco, the Atlas Lions, in major tournaments, including the 2012 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His experience and leadership have made him a pivotal presence both for his club and national team, contributing to his recognition as the best Arab-origin player in Belgium for 2019.
Winning the “Belgian Lion” for a third time underscores Carcela’s quality, resilience, and influence on the pitch. As he leads Standard Liège through the final stages of the season, his focus remains on securing a high league finish and potentially qualifying for European competition, demonstrating his commitment to both personal and team success.
