The inaugural Titi d'Or award recipient in 2007, Abdelaziz Barrada transitioned from the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain to a diverse professional career as a midfielder spanning Spain, France, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar. He represented Morocco on the international stage during two major tournaments, including the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Early Development and Spanish Breakthrough
Born in Provins on 19 June 1989, Barrada played for Paris FC and Sénart-Moissy before moving to the Paris Saint-Germain youth system. In 2010, he relocated to Spain to join Getafe. After a period with the reserve squad, he signed his first professional contract on 14 March 2011. He debuted in La Liga against Levante on 28 August 2011. During his two seasons in Madrid, he played 64 league matches and scored eight goals, contributing to 11th and tenth place finishes.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Progression in France and the Middle East
In 2013, Barrada signed a four-year deal with Al Jazira in the UAE Pro League. By the summer of 2014, he moved to Marseille for a fee of €4.5 million. He recorded goals against Nice and Troyes during his Ligue 1 tenure. In July 2016, he returned to the UAE to play for Al-Nasr, a move that brought €2 million to Marseille. His later career included a spell at Antalyaspor, a brief loan to Gimnàstic Tarragona in 2019, and a final professional stint at Al Shahaniya in Qatar, before he finished his career with Lusitanos Saint-Maur in France.
International Representation
Barrada earned 26 caps for Morocco, debuting on 29 February 2012 in a victory over Burkina Faso. He played a key role for the under-23 squad, finishing as runner-up in the 2011 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations where he was named top scorer and included in the Team of the Tournament. He scored during the 2012 London Olympics in a draw against Honduras and started all three group stage matches for the senior team during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Final Years
Following his retirement from active play in 2021, Barrada transitioned into media as a consultant for RMC Sport and beIN Sports. He passed away from a heart attack on 24 October 2024 in Bailly-Romainvilliers, aged 35. His funeral was held in his hometown of Provins, with his burial following in the family village of Douar Aït Abdallah, located in the Tinghir Province of Morocco.
Fast facts
- Born: 19 June 1989, Provins, France
- Died: 24 October 2024, Bailly-Romainvilliers, France
- Citizenship: French, Moroccan
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- International Debut: 29 February 2012
- Major Tournaments: 2012 Summer Olympics, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
- Final Club: Lusitanos Saint-Maur
Questions readers ask
Which major clubs did Barrada play for?
He played for Getafe in Spain's La Liga and Olympique de Marseille in France's Ligue 1, among other teams in the UAE, Turkey, and Qatar.
Did Barrada play in the Olympics?
Yes, he was part of the Moroccan under-23 squad that competed at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
.jpg)