OGC Nice has announced the signing of Hamza Koutoune, an 18-year-old right-back who gained prominence during Morocco’s impressive campaigns at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations and the U17 World Cup in 2023.
Koutoune, a graduate of the esteemed Mohammed VI Football Academy, follows in the footsteps of his compatriot Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, who joined Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais last summer.
Ait Boudlal played a key role in Morocco’s U17 African championship victory and their World Cup quarter-final finish, achievements that have drawn attention to a new wave of Moroccan talent.
A Promising Journey
Standing at an imposing 1.90 meters, Koutoune has been celebrated for his physical presence and defensive prowess.
His performances on the international stage with Morocco’s U17 team, coupled with seven caps for the U20 side, have cemented his reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
Koutoune’s transfer to Nice highlights the growing pipeline of talent from Morocco’s Mohammed VI Football Academy, an institution that has become a focal point for player development in the region.
The academy’s success in nurturing young talent is evident in players like Koutoune and Ait Boudlal, both of whom are now plying their trade in Ligue 1.
Excited for the Challenge
Initially joining Nice’s reserve team, Koutoune expressed his excitement about the opportunity to grow with the Ligue 1 side.
“I could see that the club was not afraid to trust young people who deserved it, including at the highest level,” Koutoune shared.
“The Mohammed VI Academy allowed me to have excellent training, and I am very happy to join OGC Nice, where I arrive with a great thirst to continue learning.”
Koutoune’s move to the Côte d’Azur provides him the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals and promising talents alike.
He will also reunite with Sofiane Diop, a former France U21 international who recently committed his international future to Morocco.
A Rising Star for Moroccan Football
Koutoune’s transfer underscores the growing influence of Moroccan football on the global stage, as players from its youth ranks continue to earn moves to Europe’s top leagues.
For OGC Nice, securing the services of a promising young defender like Koutoune reflects the club’s commitment to investing in talent with long-term potential.
As he embarks on this next chapter, Koutoune is set to become another symbol of Morocco’s footballing renaissance, with his journey closely followed by fans eager to see him make his mark in Ligue 1.
