Morocco defender Zakaria El Ouahidi wins best African player award in Belgium

Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahidi has won the prestigious ‘Black Boot’ award, recognizing the best African player in Belgian football.

The 24-year-old full-back, who stars for KRC Genk, claimed the honour after a sensational season that has firmly established him as one of the standout performers in Belgium’s top flight. Now in its 35th edition, the award celebrates excellence, consistency, and influence—and El Ouahidi ticked every box.

Despite operating primarily as a right-back, El Ouahidi delivered remarkable attacking output throughout the season, registering 12 goals and 5 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His impact was not limited to domestic football either, as he also impressed on the European stage with 4 goals and 1 assist in 9 Europa League matches.

His rise has been built on steady progression through Belgian football. Developed at Beerschot and Zulte Waregem, he later made a name for himself at RWDM, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Belgian First Division before earning his move to Genk in the summer of 2023.

At Genk, El Ouahidi has taken his game to another level, combining defensive discipline with attacking flair to become one of the most influential figures in the squad.

His award places him in elite company. He becomes only the third Moroccan player to win the Black Boot, following in the footsteps of legends such as Mbark Boussoufa, who won it three times, and Tarik Tissoudali in 2022.

The accolades did not stop there, as El Ouahidi also recently collected the Belgian Lion award for 2025, given to the best player of North African descent in Belgium’s top division.

On the international stage, his rapid rise has been equally impressive. Recently called up to the Morocco national football team, he made his senior debut in a friendly against Paraguay, marking another milestone in a breakthrough year.

Having already lifted the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in his career, El Ouahidi’s trajectory continues to point sharply upward.

From domestic breakthrough to continental recognition, the Moroccan defender’s journey reflects a player evolving into one of North Africa’s most exciting modern talents.