A 119th-minute goal during a 2020 Europa League fixture at the Emirates Stadium secured Youssef El-Arabi a place in European football folklore, as his strike eliminated Arsenal from the competition. Born in 1987 in Caen, France, the Moroccan international has maintained a prolific scoring record across spells in Ligue 1, La Liga, the Qatar Stars League, and the Greek Super League.
Early Career and Move to Spain
El-Arabi debuted for Caen on 20 December 2008 in a Ligue 1 match against Lyon. Following a standout 2010-11 campaign where he netted 17 goals, he departed for Al-Hilal in July 2011. In 2012, he transferred to La Liga side Granada for a then-club record fee of €5 million. During four seasons in Spain, he recorded 134 appearances, scoring 45 goals, and established himself as a key figure in the team’s efforts to maintain top-flight status.
Dominance in Qatar
In 2016, the forward signed with Lekhwiya SC, later renamed Al-Duhail, in the Qatar Stars League. His efficiency was immediate, as he finished as joint top scorer in his first season. Across three years in Qatar, he netted 107 goals in 95 matches, securing two league titles and multiple domestic cups, including the Qatar Emir Cup and the Qatar Cup.
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Returning to Europe in 2019, El-Arabi joined Olympiacos on a three-year contract. He became a fixture in the side, scoring 22 goals in the 2020-21 season and winning three consecutive Greek Super League titles. By November 2021, he had overtaken Predrag Đorđević and Kostas Mitroglou as the club's leading European goalscorer. His tenure included a UEFA Conference League triumph in the 2023-24 season before he transitioned to APOEL and later back to France with Nantes.
International Service
Though born in France, El-Arabi elected to represent Morocco, debuting on 5 September 2010 against the Central African Republic. Over his international tenure, he participated in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, specifically in 2012, 2013, and 2017. He played a significant role in Morocco’s qualification for the 2017 finals, scoring both goals in a decisive victory over Cape Verde in March 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Caen
- Citizenship: France and Morocco
- Professional Debut: 2008
- Granada Transfer Fee: €5 million
- Morocco International Debut: 2010
- Record: Oldest Nantes goalscorer (38 years, 7 months, 17 days)
- Latest Club: Marko
Questions readers ask
What is Youssef El-Arabi's main position?
He operates as a forward in association football.
Which international team did he choose to represent?
He represents the Morocco national football team.
Did he play for any clubs in France?
Yes, he began his career at Caen and later played for Nantes.
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