Youssef En-Nesyri established himself as a prominent Moroccan forward by securing a record-breaking transfer to Fenerbahçe in 2024 for 19.5 million euros. Born in Fez in 1997, he developed his skills at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before navigating an extensive career across European leagues and becoming a consistent presence for the Morocco national football team.
Early Career in Spain
En-Nesyri began his professional journey in Spain after joining Málaga in 2015 for 125,000 euros. Following a productive period with the reserve team, he debuted in La Liga in August 2016. After Málaga suffered relegation, he transferred to Leganés in 2018. During his tenure there, he became the first player in club history to record a La Liga hat-trick, achieving the feat against Real Betis in February 2019.
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Sevilla acquired En-Nesyri in January 2020 for a reported 20 million euros. His time in Andalusia included winning the 2020 UEFA Europa League title. He set multiple individual milestones, including becoming the highest-scoring Moroccan player in a single La Liga season with 18 goals in the 2020–21 campaign. By February 2024, he surpassed the long-standing record held by Larbi Benbarek to become the top Moroccan scorer in the history of La Liga.
International and Late Career
En-Nesyri earned his first senior cap for Morocco in 2016. He represented his nation in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments, as well as several Africa Cup of Nations competitions. In 2022, the state recognized his contributions by naming him an Officer of the Order of the Throne. Following a stint in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, where he broke the club's transfer fee record, he joined the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad on 3 February 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1997, Fez, Morocco
- Professional debut: 2016
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the Throne (2022)
- Record: Highest-scoring Moroccan in La Liga history
- Languages spoken: Spanish, Arabic, Berber, Moroccan Arabic
- Notable Club: Sevilla (2020–2024)
- Final transfer: Al-Ittihad (2026)
Questions readers ask
Which major trophy did En-Nesyri win with Sevilla?
He was part of the squad that won the 2020 UEFA Europa League.
What record did he break at Fenerbahçe?
His 19.5 million euro transfer in 2024 made him the most expensive player in the club's history.
