Zakaria Aboukhlal
A Dutch-born winger who chose to represent Morocco, his speed and direct play became a valuable asset for the Atlas Lions' historic World Cup run.
Born 2000 (age 26)·Footballer·Birthday: February 18·Generation Z
Biography
Zakaria Aboukhlal's career is a testament to the globalized nature of modern football. Born and raised in the Netherlands, he was developed in the famed youth system of PSV Eindhoven, learning the technical, possession-based game prevalent there. Despite being eligible for the Dutch national team, he answered the call from Morocco in 2021, embracing his family's heritage. This decision placed him on football's grandest stage sooner than expected. Aboukhlal was a key squad member for Morocco during their stunning 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, where they became the first African nation to reach the semifinals. His moment came in the group stage, coming off the bench to score a crucial goal against Belgium in a landmark victory. A left-footed right winger, his game is built on explosive acceleration and a willingness to take on defenders. Club moves from the Eredivisie to France's Toulouse, and later to Italy's Torino, have charted his development as a professional, seeking the right environment to refine his end product. Aboukhlal symbolizes a new generation of dual-heritage players using their platform to make history for their chosen nations.
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.
Zakaria was born in 2000, 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 Zakaria Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Zakaria's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a pivotal goal for Morocco in their historic 2-0 victory over Belgium at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Was part of the Morocco squad that achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, the best ever for an African nation.
- Won the Coupe de France with Toulouse in 2023, scoring in the final against Nantes.
- Made his professional debut for PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Europa League in 2018.
Did You Know?
He was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and holds Dutch citizenship.
Aboukhlal is a practicing Muslim and has been seen celebrating goals by performing sujud (prostration).
Before committing to Morocco, he represented the Netherlands at various youth international levels.
“I chose Morocco because it's in my heart, it's my blood.”
