Moroccan midfielder El Aynaoui suffers armed home invasion as family held hostage

Shocking scenes unfolded in the Italian capital after Nabil El Aynaoui, midfielder for AS Roma, was targeted in a terrifying armed robbery at his home, where he and several members of his family were held captive.

According to reports from Italian news agency ANSA, the incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning at around 3 a.m.

A group of six masked men reportedly broke into the player’s residence in southwest Rome, an area known for housing several Roma players due to its proximity to the club’s training facilities.

The attackers, dressed in black and armed, gained access to the property after smashing a living room window. El Aynaoui was the first to awaken to the noise before being confronted and restrained along with his family.

During the ordeal, the intruders reportedly held the player, his partner, his mother, his brother, and his brother’s partner in a single room while they ransacked the house. Several valuables were stolen, including jewellery estimated at around €10,000, a luxury Rolex watch, high-end handbags, and other personal belongings.

Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, no physical injuries were reported. However, the psychological impact on the Moroccan international has been significant, particularly given that the attack occurred while his family was present.

Following the incident, El Aynaoui informed Roma’s management, who permitted him to miss training to recover and handle the necessary legal and security procedures.

Authorities in Rome have launched an investigation into the robbery, amid growing concern over a rise in similar incidents targeting footballers’ homes across Italy.

Meanwhile, Roma are preparing for a decisive Europa League clash against Bologna FC, scheduled for Thursday evening, after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. El Aynaoui’s availability for the match remains uncertain, with the final decision expected to depend on his mental readiness as the club rallies around him during this difficult time.