Morocco’s Rahimi finishes ahead of Salah in World Cup player rankings

Morocco forward Soufiane Rahimi ended the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament’s most effective attacking players, finishing 43rd in a global ranking of the competition’s 108 most decisive footballers.

According to statistics compiled by Foot Mercato, the Al Ain striker ranked ahead of several established stars, including Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, Spain’s Dani Olmo, France winger Désiré Doué and Colombia forward Luis Díaz.

Rahimi played a key role in Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals, scoring twice and providing one assist despite making all of his appearances from the substitutes’ bench.

Clinical impact in limited opportunities

The 30-year-old featured in five matches during the tournament but was not included in Morocco’s starting line-up.

Even so, he made a significant impact, playing just 140 minutes while contributing directly to three goals.

Rahimi found the net against Canada and Haiti and also registered an assist, averaging a goal contribution every 43.7 minutes.

Another boost for African football

Rahimi’s efficiency highlighted the depth of attacking talent within the Atlas Lions squad and underlined Morocco’s growing influence on the global stage after another impressive World Cup campaign.

Finishing ahead of several of world football’s biggest names reflects the forward’s ability to deliver when called upon, even in limited playing time, and adds to his reputation as one of Africa’s most dangerous attackers.

His performances also reinforced Morocco’s status as one of the continent’s leading football nations, with the Atlas Lions continuing to produce players capable of competing with the world’s elite on football’s biggest stage.