In a land where football is more than a pastime—it’s a shared heartbeat—Morocco has produced a lineage of attackers whose names still echo in stadiums, the goal-getters who carried the hopes of the the Atlas Lions on their shoulders. Today, QuraGoal will guide you through the legends and the modern stars in a quest to identify the best Morocco strikers of all time—the ones who found the back of the net when it mattered most.
What Makes a Striker “Great”?
Before diving into names, it’s worth defining what qualifies someone as one of the best Morocco strikers of all time. The criteria revolve around:
- Goal-scoring record — for club and country
- Big-match impact — scoring in World Cups, African Cup of Nations, or crucial qualifiers
- Longevity — staying relevant across seasons
- Legacy & influence — inspiring future generations, national icon status
With those in mind, let’s march through history, era by era.
The Pillars of History: Ahmed Faras And Early Icons
Ahmed Faras — Morocco’s All-Time Leading Scorer
In the pantheon of Moroccan football, Ahmed Faras is monument. With 36 goals in 94 caps for the national team, he remains Morocco’s top international scorer. His club career was more modest in global fame—anchored at Chabab Mohammédia—but his scoring consistency and influence elevated him. He was even named African Footballer of the Year in 1975, underlining that he was respected beyond Morocco’s borders.
Playing in an era with fewer global spotlights, Faras’s numbers speak volumes: he was the finisher when opportunities were scarcer, the total football environment less forgiving. His legacy still looms large in Morocco’s football identity.
From the Early Days: The Lost Legends
Before modern recordkeeping, some strikers’ reputations are preserved more in stories than stats. Names like Hassan Akesbi, Larbi Benbarek (though more of a winger/forward hybrid), and Abdelghani Mouaoui often appear in historical lists of Morocco’s finest attackers. Their contributions set the foundations for what scoring meant in Moroccan football’s golden eras.
Though exact goal numbers may be murky, their aura remains part of Morocco’s football folklore.
Modern Era Giants and Their Goals
Moving into the late 20th and 21st centuries, improved recordkeeping and global exposure allow us to compare with greater rigor.
Marouane Chamakh — The Forward With Flair
Chamakh is among Morocco’s most recognizable strikers internationally, having played in top European leagues. On the national side, though he never overtook Faras, he remains beloved for his work rate, link-up play, and hunger. His presence in major tournaments for Morocco, coupled with his club pedigree, grants him a spot among the best.
Abderrazak Hamdallah — The Prolific Modern Gunner
Abderrazak Hamdallah has had spells of extraordinary scoring form, especially in the Middle East and Asia. While his national team record may not rival Faras’s, his club-level scoring hauls—particularly in Saudi Arabia—show he still ranks among the most prolific Moroccan-born strikers of his generation.
Ayoub El Kaabi — The Rising Force
El Kaabi is carving his mark in current-day squads. While still building his legacy at the national level, his club career—spanning stints in China, Turkey, and now Greece—demonstrates adaptability and goal-scoring instincts. In a modern era demanding versatility, he embodies the evolving striker archetype in Moroccan football.
Youssef En-Nesyri — The Sharp Shooter Abroad
One of the most interesting chapters in modern Moroccan striker history belongs to Youssef En-Nesyri. In La Liga and Europe, he’s shown the ability to compete at high levels, scoring strong numbers for Sevilla. He recently became Morocco’s top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 9 goals, surpassing previous Moroccan marks in Europe’s top competition.
Domestically for Morocco, he’s also climbed in the ranks among leading scorers. What makes En-Nesyri stand out is his adjustment to elite-level pressure, aerial threat, and timing in big matches.
Comparing Numbers: International Goal Tally Insights
To put things in context, here are some of the top goal scorers for Morocco across eras (international level):
| Player | Estimated Goals | Caps | Notes |
| Ahmed Faras | ~36 | 94 | Highest for Morocco at time of death (2025) |
| Salaheddine Bassir | ~25 | — | Notably among modern top scorers |
| Hakim Ziyech | ~25 | — | Though not a central striker, counted among top scor |
| Youssef En-Nesyri | ~22 | — | Still active; climbing the ranks |
| Ayoub El Kaabi | ~20 | — | Also in the upper echelon |
The disparity between club scoring and national team scoring complicates comparisons. Some strikers were more prolific domestically, others shone brighter on the international stage.
Who Qualifies As “Best Morocco Strikers Of All Time”?
Putting it all together, here’s a list of strikers who, through legacy, stats, or influence, deserve consideration:
- Ahmed Faras — Undisputed number one by record and legacy
- Marouane Chamakh — A modern icon bridging local and international praised
- Youssef En-Nesyri — In the running for modern-day greatness
- Abderrazak Hamdallah — Prolific club scorer whose national impact is still noteworthy
- Ayoub El Kaabi — Rising presence, potentially future legend
- Historical names — Less documented, but foundation-builders
If pushed for a “top 3” among strikers, many would argue:
- Faras for legacy and record
- En-Nesyri for adaptation & modern excellence
- Chamakh for bridging eras and representing Morocco abroad
Why This List Matters for Fans and History
By defining the best Morocco strikers of all time, we do more than name names. We trace Morocco’s football evolution:. Strikers now must be complete—able to press, link, finish, and endure. Understanding who stood out in each era helps fans appreciate the lineage behind today’s stars.
Moreover, this list serves fans seeking facts, debates, and narratives. Want to argue: “Who had more impact, Faras or En-Nesyri?” — now you have context.
Conclusion
Best Morocco strikers of all time are not just numbers, but stories of ambition, sacrifice, and national pride. While Ahmed Faras leads by record and meaning, Marouane Chamakh, Youssef En-Nesyri, Abderrazak Hamdallah, and Ayoub El Kaabi each bring chapters to Morocco’s attacking lore.
QuraGoal invites you to dive deeper: compare their club vs. country stats, watch their best goals, and debate with friends. Which striker is your favorite? What records will future Moroccan forwards break next?
