Monaco promote Moroccan duo Benzahra and Haddani after impressive academy seasons

Moroccan youngsters Safouane Benzahra and Nahel Haddani have signed their first professional contracts with AS Monaco after impressing during their time in the club’s academy.

The French club confirmed the deals on Tuesday, with the Moroccan duo among four academy players to be handed their first professional contracts.

Benzahra, 18, joined Monaco from Dutch club NAC Breda in the summer of 2025 and quickly became an important player for the Under-19 side.

Benzahra makes senior breakthrough

The attacking midfielder scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Monaco’s U19 team before being promoted to the senior squad during pre-season.

He featured in several friendly matches before making his competitive debut in the UEFA Conference League play-off against Górnik Zabrze.

Benzahra played in both legs of the tie and subsequently made his Ligue 1 debut in Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager has also continued his development with Morocco’s youth national teams.

He has represented Morocco at Under-17 and Under-18 level and was recently called up to the Atlas Lions’ Under-20 squad.

Haddani continues prolific scoring form

Haddani joined Monaco’s academy in the same summer after arriving from Saint-Clément.

The 17-year-old earned the move after an outstanding final season with his former club, scoring 22 goals in the French Under-17 league.

He continued his impressive form during his first campaign with Monaco, helping the U19 side reach the national semi-finals.

Haddani finished the season with 14 goals in 22 appearances.

The forward also made an impact at the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where he helped Morocco reach the quarter-finals.

Haddani directly contributed to four goals during the tournament, scoring three times and providing one assist for the Atlas Cubs.

The first professional contracts represent another important step in the development of the two Moroccan prospects as they look to establish themselves in senior football at Monaco.