Moroccan defender Achraf Dari buzzing after joining Swedish side Kalmar FF

Moroccan international Achraf Dari has completed a loan move to Swedish side Kalmar FF from Al Ahly SC, with the deal set to run until next summer.

The 26-year-old defender officially signed his contract on Tuesday and will wear the number 20 jersey as he begins a new chapter in European football.

Kalmar sporting director Mats Weinblad expressed satisfaction with the agreement.

“It’s really great that we managed to reach an agreement with Al Ahly regarding Ashraf. He has gained a lot of experience, and that’s one of the things we were looking for. He’s a very fast and athletic defender, and he also has outstanding aerial abilities, both defensively and offensively. It will be very exciting to see him in a Kalmar shirt,” he said.

Dari also shared his excitement after completing the move.

“It’s a great feeling to be here. I’m really looking forward to meeting my new teammates and playing in front of the fans. I know Kalmar has a good history and I will do my best to help the team and I hope we can achieve good things together and get good results in the Swedish league,” Dari noted.

Dari began his professional journey with Wydad AC, making his senior debut in 2017. Over time, he established himself as a cornerstone of the team, featuring in 141 matches before taking his career abroad.

In 2022, he secured a move to France with Stade Brestois 29. He made his league debut on August 7 against RC Lens and later scored his first goal in a 3-1 victory over Angers SCO.

After 22 league appearances in France, Dari joined Belgian outfit Royal Charleroi SC on loan in February 2024, where he played nine matches and found the net three times.

On August 28, 2024, he made a high-profile switch to Al Ahly. During his time with the Egyptian giants, he featured in 26 matches before sealing his latest move to Sweden.

At international level, Dari has earned seven caps with the Moroccan national team and was part of the Atlas Lions squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He featured in the semi-final clash against France national football team and scored in the third-place playoff against Croatia national football team. He has also represented Morocco across several youth levels, including the under-23, under-20, under-17 and under-16 sides.