Zakaria Ouazane: Morocco’s rising star at Ajax Amsterdam

At just 18 years old, Zakaria Ouazane is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Moroccan football. Born in Amsterdam on July 1, 2006, Ouazane currently plays for Ajax Amsterdam, a club renowned for nurturing some of the world’s best footballing talent. With his impressive performances on the pitch, he is already being hailed as a future star for both Ajax and the Moroccan national team.

Ouazane’s footballing journey began in the Netherlands, where he first honed his skills at local clubs such as Hellas Sport and Zeeburgia.

His natural ability quickly caught the attention of scouts, and by the age of 12, he joined the prestigious Ajax academy.

Known for developing legendary players like Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp, the academy has played a key role in Ouazane’s development, helping him refine his game and establish himself as a versatile forward capable of playing both as a striker and on the wings.

In 2023, despite being eligible to play for the Netherlands, Ouazane made the decision to represent Morocco, marking a significant moment in his career.

His first major tournament for the Atlas Lions came in the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Algeria.

There, he showcased his talent by scoring a crucial brace against Algeria in the quarter-finals, securing Morocco’s qualification for the U17 World Cup.

His first goal, a well-timed header, and his second, a composed finish under pressure, earned him the match’s ‘Man of the Match’ accolade.

Ouazane finished the tournament as the second-highest scorer, narrowly behind Amara Diouf of Senegal.

Although Morocco lost 2-1 to Senegal in the final, Ouazane’s performance further solidified his status as one of Africa’s most promising young talents.

On the pitch, Ouazane is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to finish in high-pressure situations.

His style of play has drawn comparisons to players like Hakim Ziyech and Mohammed Kudus, blending elegance with efficiency.

His versatility allows him to adapt to various attacking roles, providing his teams with tactical flexibility.

Algerian football analyst Yanis Toumètre praised Ouazane’s standout qualities, describing him as a “top player” with the potential to play at a major European club.

His ability to impress on the field, combined with his dedication to improvement, suggests that Ouazane’s future in both club and international football is incredibly bright.

Currently a key member of Ajax’s youth setup, Ouazane’s ultimate goal is to break into the first team and continue his development in one of Europe’s top leagues.

His determination to represent Morocco with honor is evident, as he continues to work tirelessly toward achieving his dream.

With his talent and ambition, Zakaria Ouazane is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years.