Moroccan Football Federation celebrates El Ouahdi on winning best African player award in Belgium

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has congratulated Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi following his triumph in the prestigious “Black Boot” award in Belgium.

The 24-year-old, who currently plays for KRC Genk, earned the accolade in its 35th edition, an award presented annually to the best African player or player of African descent competing in the Belgian league. The recognition highlights El Ouahidi’s steady rise and growing influence in European football.

His journey has been marked by consistent progress, having developed through spells with Beerschot and Zulte Waregem before making a significant impact at RWDM. His performances there played a key role in the club’s promotion to the top flight, ultimately earning him a move to Genk in the summer of 2023.

With this achievement, El Ouahidi becomes the third Moroccan to claim the award, following in the footsteps of Mbark Boussoufa and Tarik Tissoudali, further underlining Morocco’s strong footprint in Belgian football.

In addition to the Black Boot, the talented defender has also been recognised with the “Belgian Lion” award this year, given to the best player of Maghrebi origin in the Belgian top division. The double honour reflects both his consistency and his rapid development at club level.

El Ouahidi’s rise has also been mirrored on the international stage. He recently made his debut for the Moroccan national team in a friendly match against Paraguay national football team, a milestone that strengthens his position as one of the emerging options for the national side moving forward.