Seventy appearances for the Morocco national team marked the international career of Mbark Boussoufa, who scored eight goals while representing his country between 2006 and 2019. Born in Amsterdam in 1984, the attacking midfielder maintained dual citizenship in Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands throughout his professional journey in association football across Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
Early Career and Belgian Success
Boussoufa began his training within the Ajax youth academy before moving to Chelsea F.C. He joined K.A.A. Gent for the 2005–06 season, where he secured several major accolades, including the Belgian Golden Shoe, Belgian Footballer of the Year, Belgian Young Footballer of the Year, and the Belgian Ebony Shoe. In June 2006, he transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht for €3.5 million. During his tenure there, he won the Belgian Pro League in 2006–07 and 2009–10, the Belgian Cup in 2007–08, and the Belgian Super Cup in 2007 and 2010. By 2010, his performance levels—highlighted by 14 goals and 24 assists in one season—led to his status as the highest-paid footballer in the Belgian league.
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Following his time in Belgium, Boussoufa signed with the Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011 after a proposed transfer to Terek Grozny collapsed. In August 2013, he moved to FC Lokomotiv Moscow on a three-year contract, contributing to their 2015 Russian Cup victory by scoring the second goal in a 3–1 final win against Kuban Krasnodar. He later experienced a brief loan return to K.A.A. Gent in early 2016. Later that year, he signed a two-year deal with Al Jazira in the UAE, where he contributed to their 2016-17 UAE Arabian Gulf League title. In January 2019, he joined the Saudi club Al-Shabab for the remainder of that season.
International Representation
Although eligible for the Netherlands, Boussoufa elected to play for Morocco, debuting against the USA on 23 May 2006. He competed in the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2012, 2017, and 2019. Additionally, he featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, appearing in all three group stage matches as a starter. His international retirement followed Morocco's elimination by Benin in the round of 16 during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a match that ended in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 August 1984, Amsterdam
- Citizenship: Morocco, Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Belgian Golden Shoe: 2006, 2009, 2010
- International debut: 23 May 2006
- Total international appearances: 70
- International goals: 8
- Languages: Arabic, Berber
- Professional debut: 2004
Questions readers ask
Which major individual awards did Boussoufa win in Belgium?
He earned the Belgian Golden Shoe three times, in 2006, 2009, and 2010, alongside multiple titles as the Belgian Footballer of the Year.
When did Boussoufa retire from international football?
He announced his retirement on 5 July 2019, following Morocco's defeat against Benin at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
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