Chadi Riad Dnanou began his professional journey in Spanish football before establishing himself as a central defender for Crystal Palace. Born on 17 June 2003 in Palma, he progressed through the youth ranks at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He now represents the Morocco national team at the senior level, contributing to both domestic and European club successes.
Early Career and Barcelona Development
Before joining FC Barcelona, Riad played for CD Atlético Rafal, CD San Francisco, and RCD Mallorca. In February 2019, he secured a three-year agreement with Barcelona, starting in July 2019. During a 2020 loan spell at CE Sabadell FC, he made his senior debut in the Copa del Rey against CD Ibiza Islas Pitiusas. In July 2022, he extended his contract with Barcelona and earned a promotion to the reserve squad. He made his La Liga debut for the senior team on 8 November 2022, replacing Pedri in a win against CA Osasuna.
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Riad moved to Real Betis on a season-long loan in July 2023. By June 2024, he transferred to Premier League club Crystal Palace on a five-year contract. His initial stint in London was hampered by multiple knee injuries, limiting his participation during the 2024–25 campaign. He returned to action in January 2026. Later that season, he was part of the squad that secured the UEFA Conference League title in Leipzig, playing the full 90 minutes in a victory over Rayo Vallecano.
International Representation
Riad’s international career began with the Morocco under-20 side, for whom he scored against Romania in 2022. He subsequently played for the under-23 team, helping them win the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. His senior debut for Morocco occurred on 11 January 2024 during a friendly against Sierra Leone. He was included in the national squads for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 June 2003, Palma
- Position: Centre-back
- Current club: Crystal Palace
- Senior debut (club): 16 December 2020
- Senior debut (national): 11 January 2024
- Key trophy: UEFA Conference League 2025–26
- Citizenship: Morocco
Questions readers ask
Which major club did Chadi Riad graduate from?
He is a graduate of Barcelona's La Masia academy.
What significant European trophy did he win with Crystal Palace?
He started in the 2026 UEFA Conference League final, where the club defeated Rayo Vallecano.
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