Moroccan striker Youssef El-Arabi sets historic scoring record

Youssef El-Arabi etched his name into French football history on Sunday after rescuing Nantes with a last-gasp equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Rennes.

The goal not only salvaged a valuable point in the derby but also established two remarkable records for the Moroccan striker.

At 38 years and 229 days, El-Arabi has become the oldest goalscorer in Nantes’ history, surpassing Loïc Amisse’s long-standing record of 35 years and 376 days, which had stood since 1990.

His late strike ensures his place in the club’s annals as a symbol of both longevity and resilience.

Beyond club history, El-Arabi has also carved out a unique record in Ligue 1.

His goal against Rennes came 14 years and 142 days after his previous strike in the French top flight, scored for Caen in a 4-0 victory over Nice on 1 May 2011.

This extraordinary span is now the longest gap between two goals in Ligue 1 since records began in the 1947-48 season.

The moment was a reward for persistence.

With Rennes seemingly on course for victory, Nantes pressed forward in the closing stages.

El-Arabi, showing the sharp instincts that defined his earlier career, struck decisively in added time to bring the match level, sparking jubilation among the home fans at La Beaujoire.

The Moroccan international’s achievement is particularly striking given his long and varied career across Europe and the Middle East.

After leaving Caen in 2011, El-Arabi enjoyed prolific spells with Al-Hilal, Granada, and Olympiacos, where he became a key figure in the Greek side’s dominance of domestic football.

His return to Ligue 1 this season was viewed as a final chapter, but his latest heroics prove he still has the instinct to influence matches at the highest level.

[⚽️ VIDÉO BUT] 🇫🇷 #Ligue1 #FCNSRFC
😱 INCROYABLE mais vrai !
🔥 Youssef El-Arabi égalise à la toute dernière seconde pour Nantes !
🤯 Ce derby breton est complètement fou : 2-2 !https://t.co/JhIf2gTjXl

— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) September 20, 2025

The statistical curiosity of his record-breaking gap adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Few players have the longevity to bridge more than a decade between goals in a major league, and El-Arabi’s feat places him in rare company.

By comparison, Karim Benzema’s last Ligue 1 goal came in May 2009 before his long tenure at Real Madrid, underscoring how unusual El-Arabi’s achievement is.

For Nantes, the equaliser provided more than just a point—it gave the squad and supporters a reminder of the value of experience in decisive moments.

For El-Arabi, it secured his place not just in Nantes’ history but in the broader narrative of Ligue 1, where his name will now be remembered alongside some of the most enduring records in French football.