Walid Cheddira
A powerful striker who chose his father's Moroccan heritage over his Italian birthplace, becoming a World Cup surprise package in 2022.
Born 1998 (age 28)·Moroccan footballer·Birthday: January 22·Generation Z
Biography
Walid Cheddira's story is one of dual identity and a patient climb to the highest stage. Born in Italy to Moroccan parents, he navigated the lower tiers of Italian football, playing for a series of clubs including Parma and Como, where his physicality and goal-scoring instincts began to turn heads. His breakthrough arrived at Serie B side Bari, where his prolific partnership with fellow forward triggered a promotion push and put him on the radar of top-flight club Napoli. A subsequent loan to Serie A's Fiorentina offered a glimpse of the top level, but it was at Lecce where he found consistent minutes in Italy's premier division. The most dramatic chapter came internationally. Eligible for both nations, Cheddira committed to Morocco, a decision that paid off when he was selected for their historic 2022 World Cup squad. Coming off the bench, his relentless energy made him an instant fan favorite, embodying the spirit of an Atlas Lions team that captivated the world by reaching the semi-finals.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Walid was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Walid Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Walid's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Could drive
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team made a historic run to the semi-finals.
- Scored over 15 goals in the 2021-22 Serie B season for Bari, helping them reach the promotion playoffs.
- Earned a contract with Serie A champions Napoli in 2022 before going on loan to gain top-flight experience.
Did You Know?
He was born in Loreto, Italy, but represents the Morocco national team at the international level.
Cheddira played for eight different Italian clubs on loan or permanent deals before turning 25.
He made his FIFA World Cup debut as a substitute against Croatia in Morocco's opening match of the 2022 tournament.
“I carry two flags on my shoulders when I play.”
