Morocco’s Badr Benoun seals emotional return to Raja Casablanca

Badr Benoun has officially returned to Raja Casablanca, signing a two-year deal with the Moroccan giants ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old defender, who began his career at Raja before stints with Egypt’s Al Ahly and Qatar SC, has chosen to rejoin his boyhood club in a move that has been met with widespread approval from the Green Eagles’ supporters. The transfer marks a homecoming for one of Raja’s most celebrated former captains.

Sources within the club confirmed on Saturday that Benoun made substantial financial concessions in order to finalise the deal. Raja Club Athletic management, keen to reinforce their squad for the coming season, were in direct contact with Benoun over recent weeks.

A decisive conversation with head coach Lassaad Chabbi, who was instrumental in convincing the centre-back to return, is understood to have sealed the agreement.

“Badr Benoun was not motivated by money,” a source within the club told Africascore. “His desire was simply to return home, to the club where it all began, and to compete once again for trophies. He believes he still has much to offer and is determined to contribute to Raja’s success.”

Benoun is no stranger to success in the green and white shirt. During his initial spell with Raja Casablanca, he lifted multiple domestic and continental titles, establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s defence and a favourite among fans.

His leadership on the pitch and composure under pressure were hallmarks of his play, qualities Raja are keen to reintroduce into their squad.

Following his departure from Raja in 2020, Benoun joined Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, where he won several titles, including the CAF Champions League.

He later moved to Qatar SC, where he continued to perform consistently, although the move lacked the emotional connection he enjoyed with his home club.

Benoun’s return is expected to bolster Raja’s defensive line as they look to bounce back from a challenging season. With ambitions of competing for both domestic honours and CAF competitions, the club is investing in experience and leadership, and Benoun’s signing aligns perfectly with those objectives.

The defender’s arrival also carries symbolic weight. His return is a morale boost not just for the squad but also for the club’s passionate supporters, who had long hoped to see the “Prince” of Raja don the famous green jersey once more.

The timing, just ahead of the new season, provides an emotional lift as the team begins preparations under coach Chabbi.

Benoun, capped by the Moroccan national team, remains a respected figure in African football circles. His return to Raja comes at a time when many players look to wind down their careers elsewhere.

Instead, he has chosen to return to the club that shaped him, motivated by legacy and loyalty rather than financial reward.

As Raja Casablanca gear up for a new campaign, the return of Badr Benoun signals both a strategic reinforcement and a sentimental reunion—one that promises to reignite hopes of silverware at the Mohammed V Stadium.