Promising Moroccan youngster, Moncef Zekri, has signed his first professional contract with Belgian club KV Mechelen, committing his future to the club until 2028.
The 16-year-old full-back earned the deal following a standout performance at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he played a crucial role in Morocco’s title-winning campaign.
Zekri, who has already made two appearances in Belgium’s top division, attracted interest from several European clubs after a breakthrough season.
Dutch giants Ajax were reportedly keen to sign him, though they offered a place in their reserve squad—an option Zekri turned down in favour of staying with Mechelen’s senior team.
The Belgian side acted swiftly to secure the highly-rated defender amid what they described as “serious interest from abroad,” announcing his signing earlier this week.
Zekri was ever-present for Morocco during the 2025 U-17 AFCON, starting every match and helping his nation lift the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mali in the final.
His performances earned him a place in the CAF Best XI of the tournament.
Born in Brussels, Zekri has made 12 appearances for Morocco’s U-17 national team and is considered one of the most promising left-backs of his generation. He has yet to feature for the senior national team.
He was promoted to Mechelen’s senior squad late in the 2024–25 season, taking advantage of injury-related openings.
He made his professional debut against Standard Liège and started in the club’s final home match of the campaign the following week.
Mechelen’s coaching staff have lauded his tactical intelligence, work ethic, and versatility—traits that have drawn comparisons to the modern wing-back archetype.
Zekri is expected to play a key role in the club’s first-team plans for the 2025–26 season.
