Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, known as Ez Abde, born in Morocco and raised in Spain, is the star of this start of CAN U23. The 21-year-old winger, who played in the last World Cup, intends to lead his team to the Paris Olympics and the crowning final.
With our correspondent in RabatAnas Yacine
He started with a double from the penalty spot, to put Morocco on the right track in the opening match against Guinea (2-1). Ez Abde, CAN U23 first man of the match, captain of the Atlas Lions, on a mission for his country. ” This tournament is close to my heart “Launched the Barça player, on loan to Osasuna this season. And for good reason, the player has a special history with his country.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli was born in Beni Mellal, in the center of the Kingdom. At the age of seven, he left Morocco for Spain, with his family. There, football becomes a priority. Very technical, able to play on both sides, the young Ezzalzouli took his first steps in Elche, then in Hércules.
Three goals, two assists
Abde, that’s his nickname, continues to develop: speed, technique, efficiency, he interests several clubs and ends up signing for Barça at the age of barely 19, it was in 2021. He thought he could break through in a team that has economic problems, but sportingly it is difficult to be a first option. He is helmed by players like Ousmane Dembélé, Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati in particular. Often replacing the first season, he is loaned to Osasuna. There, he reached a milestone last season: full-fledged holder, he led his team to the final of the Spanish Cup.
He is selected for the World Cup in Qatar with Morocco, and today he is the undisputed star of the U23 CAN writes As, the Spanish newspaper. Three goals, two assists, captain’s armband, Ezzalzouli dreams of qualifying for the Olympics next year in Paris, and why not, a title with the Cubs.
► Results and program of CAN U23