Ilies Belmokhtar has signed his first professional contract with AS Monaco, committing to the Ligue 1 club for five seasons following a standout showing at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Moroccan forward, currently shining at the 2025 U17 AFCON, has drawn widespread attention with his clinical performances, including three goals in the group stage.
His exploits did not go unnoticed by Monaco’s management, who moved swiftly to secure the teenager’s long-term future at the club.
Belmokhtar’s breakthrough comes amid a highly competitive tournament that has showcased some of Africa’s most exciting young prospects.
The 17-year-old has stood out for his composure in front of goal, intelligent movement, and finishing ability — qualities that have already earned him comparisons to senior professionals.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Belmokhtar in its official coverage, highlighting his performances as among the most impressive in the opening stages of the tournament.
A report published on the CAF website specifically noted his brace against Uganda as a defining moment, describing him as “one of the exceptional talents to watch.”
CAF’s analysis singled out his sense of positioning, technical sharpness, and ability to convert chances under pressure.
It also pointed to his maturity on the pitch, which belies his age and suggests a player ready for the next level of professional football.
Belmokhtar is currently tied for fourth place in the tournament’s Golden Boot standings with three goals, sharing that position with Burkina Faso’s Loukman Tapsoba.
Ahead of them are Ivorian striker Alinio Haidara, who leads with six goals, and Malians Ndjicoura Bomba and Alieu, each with four.
The decision by Monaco to offer Belmokhtar a professional deal is not only a vote of confidence in his potential but also a strategic move to lock down a player who is quickly gaining attention on the continental stage.
The five-year contract reflects the club’s long-term belief in his abilities and its commitment to developing youth talent through its academy system.
Belmokhtar has progressed through the youth ranks at Monaco and has been closely monitored by the club’s technical staff.
His performances for Morocco at international level have only reaffirmed their view that he is ready for the next step in his career.
This signing marks a major milestone for the young Moroccan, who will now look to build on his success at the U17 AFCON by continuing to develop within one of Europe’s most respected youth development programmes.
As Morocco continues its campaign in the tournament, all eyes will remain on Belmokhtar to see if he can help drive his team deeper into the competition — and perhaps challenge for the Golden Boot in the process.
For now, however, the teenager can take pride in having turned a breakout international performance into a professional future at one of France’s top clubs.
