Moroccan left-back Youssef Belamri joins Al Ahly not as a passing name in the transfer market, but as a player shaped by years of steady rise, from FUS Rabat’s youth fields to an unbeaten title run with Raja Casablanca.
The 27-year-old arrives in Cairo as an attack-minded full-back with bold forward runs, refined crossing, and continental experience that turns his signing into a statement, not just a squad addition.
Al Ahly completed Belamri’s transfer after buying out the remaining months of his Raja deal, reportedly for around 515,000 euros, with his market value estimated at 1.5 million euros. He was registered in place of compatriot Achraf Dari, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Born on 20 September 1998, Belamri built his foundations at FUS Rabat, where he joined the academy at age 10 and gradually fought his way into the first team under coach Walid Regragui. His early professional milestones included a debut against Raja in 2017, a first start versus Moghreb Tetouan, and a first senior goal against Mouloudia Oujda in the Moroccan Throne Cup.
In July 2023, he signed for Raja and helped deliver a historic, unbeaten 2023-2024 league title, followed by a Throne Cup triumph over AS FAR, where he made a decisive late intervention. The following season he added strong continental numbers, with goals and assists in the CAF Champions League, further polishing his profile.
Internationally, Belamri progressed through Morocco’s youth ranks before receiving a senior call-up as a replacement for injured Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui in 2024. He later contributed to Morocco’s African Nations Championship title and was part of the squad that reached the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Belamri’s bond with Regragui is described as that of a player and his “spiritual father,” with the coach seeing him as a rare profile and repeatedly backing his inclusion in the national team.
Reports even suggest Regragui initially resisted releasing him to complete his Al Ahly move during AFCON 2025, wanting him fully ready for Morocco before letting him chase his next chapter in Cairo.
