Bilal El Khannouss: The Best Moroccan Player and Prodigy
Bilal El Khannouss is one the best players to come out of the continent of Africa along the likes of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Yankuba Minteh.
With a natural flair for creativity and an impressive ability to dictate play from midfield, El Khannouss has quickly made a name for himself both in Belgium’s Pro League, Premier League and on the international stage.
Player Profile – Bilal El Khannouss
Bilal El Khannouss (born 10 May 2004) is a talented attacking midfielder known for his exceptional vision, dribbling, and playmaking abilities.
Born in Belgium with Moroccan heritage, El Khannouss began his youth career at Anderlecht before moving to Genk in 2019. After showcasing his skills in Belgium’s Pro League, he secured a high-profile move to Leicester City in August 2024.
Wearing the iconic number 11 shirt, El Khannouss made an immediate impact in the Premier League, scoring his first goal against West Ham. Known for his creativity and composure, he is a rising star to watch in European football.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Bilal El Khannouss |
| Date of Birth | 10 May 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Strombeek-Bever, Belgium |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 150 pounds |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Current Club | Leicester |
| Position | Attacking Midfield |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Anderlecht Genk Belgium U15 Belgium U16 Belgium U18 Morocco U20 Morocco U23 |
| Senior Career | Genk Leicester City Morocco |
| Achievements and Recognitions | 2022 Dominique D’Onofrio Award 2022 Belgian Golden Shoe Best Young Player 2022 Order of the Throne 2023 Belgian Lion Award 2022-23 Genk Player of the Season 2023-23 Belgian Pro League Young Professional Footballer of the Year |
Bilal El Khannouss‘ Early Life and Background
Bilal El Khannouss was born on May 10, 2004, in Belgium to parents of Moroccan descent. Growing up in a multicultural household, he developed a deep love for football at an early age.
El Khannouss began his football journey in Belgium’s renowned Anderlecht youth academy, where he quickly showcased his talent and technical abilities.
His Moroccan roots played a significant role in shaping his football identity, blending European precision with North African flair.
In 2019, he joined KRC Genk’s academy, further honing his skills and laying the foundation for his professional career. El Khannouss’ diverse background continues to inspire his growing fanbase.
Bilal El Khannouss‘ Playing Style and Strength
Bilal El Khannouss is a dynamic attacking midfielder known for his exceptional technical skills and vision. His playing style combines elegant dribbling, quick decision-making, and pinpoint passing, allowing him to dictate the tempo in midfield.
El Khannouss thrives in tight spaces, using his agility to evade defenders and create opportunities. He excels at linking midfield to attack with precision.
His composure under pressure and eye for a decisive pass make him a valuable asset. Versatile and intelligent, El Khannouss embodies the modern creative midfielder, effortlessly blending flair with tactical discipline.
Bilal El Khannouss’ Club Career: A Remarkable Rise to Success
El Khannouss began his footballing career in Belgium, a nation known for its rich pool of emerging talent. He first joined the prestigious Anderlecht youth academy, where he honed his technical skills and tactical awareness.
It was here that El Khannouss shared training grounds with some of Belgium’s brightest young players, fostering a competitive spirit that would define his career.
In 2019, seeking new opportunities, El Khannouss moved to KRC Genk’s academy, one of Belgium’s most reputable talent factories. Genk, celebrated for producing world-class stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, provided the ideal environment for El Khannouss to flourish.
On 24 July 2020, El Khannouss officially signed his first professional contract with Genk. It was a defining moment for the young midfielder, marking his transition from a promising youth prospect to a senior-team contender.
Professional Debut and Breakthrough at Genk
Bilal El Khannouss made his senior league debut for Genk on 21 May 2022 in a match against KV Mechelen. Although it was a brief appearance, his technical poise and creativity did not go unnoticed.
The following season, El Khannouss became an integral part of Genk’s midfield, impressing fans and pundits alike with his vision, dribbling, and ability to dictate play.
During his time at Genk, he played alongside standout teammates such as Joseph Paintsil, Mike Trésor, and Bryan Heynen. Together, they formed a dynamic squad that competed fiercely in the Belgian Pro League, showcasing fluid attacking football.
CAF Recognition: A Rising Star on the Continent
El Khannouss’ stellar performances at Genk earned him a nomination for the 2023 CAF African Young Player of the Year award.
This recognition underscored his growing reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting young prospects. At just 19 years old, he was already making waves far beyond Belgium’s borders.
Leicester City Move: A New Chapter in the Premier League
The move marked a significant step in his career, as he joined one of England’s most competitive football leagues. Donning the number 11 shirt, previously worn by Leicester legend Marc Albrighton, El Khannouss quickly embraced the pressure and expectation.
Just two days after signing, El Khannouss made his Leicester debut on 31 August 2024 in a hard-fought 2-1 loss against Aston Villa. Despite the result, his Premier League debut highlighted his ability to adapt to England’s fast-paced football style.
His first significant impact came on 21 September 2024, when he earned his first start in a 1-1 draw against Everton. Fans began to see glimpses of his creativity and flair, qualities that made him stand out at Genk.
However, his true breakout moment for Leicester City arrived on 3 December 2024. In a thrilling 3-1 victory over West Ham at the King Power Stadium, El Khannouss scored his first Premier League goal. It was a moment of brilliance—a calm finish that showcased his composure and attacking instinct.
Notable Teammates and Early Success at Leicester
At Leicester City, El Khannouss found himself surrounded by talented players, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Barnes, and Patson Daka.
His synergy with Leicester’s attacking core allowed him to integrate seamlessly, further demonstrating his versatility as an attacking midfielder.
Bilal El Khannouss’ International Career: A Rising Star for the Morocco
El Khannouss started his international journey by representing his birth country at various youth levels. His technical brilliance and creative flair saw him play for Belgium’s U15 and U16 teams.
During this time, he showcased immense promise, competing alongside talented peers and laying the foundation for a successful international career.
However, El Khannouss’ deep connection to his Moroccan heritage inspired a pivotal switch. The allure of playing for his ancestral homeland proved irresistible, and soon, he chose to wear the iconic Atlas Lions jersey.
Representing Morocco: A Bold Switch
El Khannouss’ decision to represent Morocco opened the door to a new chapter in his international career. He made an immediate impact, earning a call-up to the Morocco U20 team, where his technical prowess in midfield quickly turned heads.
By combining composure, creativity, and vision, he established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Moroccan football.
In 2022, El Khannouss experienced his most defining moment to date. Morocco’s manager included him in the 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The call-up marked a significant milestone for the young midfielder, who had yet to make his senior debut.
FIFA World Cup Debut in Qatar
On December 17, 2022, Bilal El Khannouss made his senior international debut on the grandest stage—the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff against Croatia.
While the match ended in a 2-1 defeat, it signaled Morocco’s historic run as the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Sharing the pitch with notable Moroccan stars like Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, and captain Romain Saïss, El Khannouss gained invaluable experience. His presence in the squad symbolized Morocco’s bright future and its investment in emerging talents.
Leading Morocco’s U23 Team to Glory
The following year brought even greater success. In June 2023, El Khannouss was named to Morocco’s final squad for the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. This prestigious tournament, hosted on home soil, became a turning point in his international journey.
Throughout the competition, El Khannouss played a critical role in Morocco’s dominant midfield, orchestrating play and linking up with standout teammates like Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Ilias Akhomach.
His consistent performances helped the Atlas Cubs lift their maiden U-23 AFCON title. Morocco defeated Egypt in a thrilling final, etching their name in history.
This triumph carried even more weight. By clinching the title, Morocco’s U23 team officially qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. El Khannouss’ contributions solidified his reputation as a rising star capable of thriving under pressure on big occasions.
A Bright Future Awaits
Bilal El Khannouss’ international career is a testament to his dedication and versatility. From his early days with Belgium’s youth teams to representing Morocco at the World Cup and U-23 AFCON, he has proven himself as a player for the future.
Playing alongside elite Moroccan talents like Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and others has only accelerated his growth.
Idols and Influence in Football
Bilal El Khannouss, the rising Moroccan talent, draws inspiration from some of football’s greatest icons. Renowned for his creativity and composure on the ball, El Khannouss often cites Zinedine Zidane and Kevin De Bruyne as his idols.
Zidane’s elegance and vision influence his style, while De Bruyne’s versatility and pinpoint passing serve as a benchmark for the young midfielder.
El Khannouss aspires to emulate their success, blending technical brilliance with modern attacking play. By studying these legends, he continues to refine his skills, solidifying his place as one of football’s most promising young stars
Comparison to Other Players
Bilal El Khannouss has often drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne, one of the greatest midfielders in modern football. He is known for his exceptional vision, precise passing, and creativity, De Bruyne sets the benchmark for attacking midfielders worldwide.
Like the Belgian star, El Khannouss displays incredible composure, excellent ball control, and a knack for unlocking defenses. His ability to dictate the tempo and deliver defense-splitting passes mirrors De Bruyne’s signature style.
As El Khannouss continues to shine, especially in the Premier League, many see him as the next dynamic playmaker, capable of emulating De Bruyne’s success on the global stage.
Conclusion
Whether orchestrating attacks or breaking down opposition defenses, his skillset and maturity for such a young player have drawn attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Now, as he embarks on his Premier League journey with Leicester City, all eyes are on this exciting midfielder’s next big step.
