Full Name: Noussair Mazraoui
Date of Birth: 14 November 1997
Place of Birth: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Full-back
Current Club: Manchester United
Jersey Number: 3
Noussair Mazraoui, the dynamic full-back whose name has been synonymous with the full-back role, might not be your typical football star, but his impact on the field is undeniable. Born in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, he continues to be driven by the same passion from childhood.
He is steadfast in his dedication to the sport and doesn't shy away from challenges. Now plying his trade at Manchester United, he continues to write his script on the pitch, always pushing boundaries and still standing tall. Let's take a look at some lesser-known facts about the 6-foot defender from his childhood.
Below Are 9 Intriguing Facts About Noussair Mazraoui's Career and Early Life
1. He Joined Local Club AVV Alphen at Age 4
From an early age, Noussair Mazraoui showed a keen interest and talent in football. At just four years old, he started his football journey with AVV Alphen, a local club in his hometown of Alphen aan de Rijn.
This initial phase was vital for honing his basic skills and kindling his love for the sport. His time at AVV Alphen was marked by his natural ability and enthusiasm, which soon caught the attention of more competitive regional teams.
2. He Moved to Alphense Boys Before Joining Ajax's Youth Academy
At the age of seven, Mazraoui transitioned from AVV Alphen to Alphense Boys, where he continued to hone his skills. His stint at Alphense Boys was relatively brief but it was a critical step in his development as a player.
Recognising his potential, Ajax's renowned youth academy invited him to join their ranks. Mazraoui's move to Ajax's youth academy marked a significant leap in his footballing career, placing him in one of the most prestigious training environments in Dutch football.
3. His Professional Debut was with Jong Ajax
Mazraoui made his professional debut on 12 August 2016 with Jong Ajax, the reserve team of Ajax Amsterdam. This debut occurred in an Eerste Divisie match against Almere City. Coming on as a substitute for Richairo Živković in the 86th minute, Mazraoui began his professional career in a competitive environment. His performance at Jong Ajax offered him important experience and prepared him for the future.
4. He Made His Eredivisie Debut Against NAC Breda
The Leiderdorp-born defender's first appearance in the Eredivisie came on 4 February 2018. In a match against NAC Breda, he made his debut as a substitute for David Neres during a 3–1 victory. This debut in the top tier of Dutch football was a significant milestone in the full-back's career. It showcased his progress from youth and reserve teams to Ajax's senior squad.
5. He Scored His First Eredivisie Goal Against De Graafschap
On 16 December 2018, Mazraoui scored his first goal in the Eredivisie during a match against De Graafschap. The game ended in a resounding 8–0 victory for Ajax, and Mazraoui’s goal was proof of his growing influence on the team. This goal marked his arrival as a key player in the league and highlighted his offensive capabilities from his defensive position.
6. He Scored His First Champions League Goal Against Bayern Munich
Noussair made his mark on the European stage in October 2018 when he scored his first Champions League goal. In a challenging away match against Bayern Munich, he scored in a 1–1 draw, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and against top-tier opponents. This goal was a significant achievement, reflecting his growing prominence in European football.
7. He was Ajax's Talent of the Year 2018/19
During the 2018/19 season, Mazraoui’s performances earned him the title of Ajax Talent of the Year. His contributions were pivotal in Ajax’s successful campaign, which saw the club secure the domestic double by winning both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup.
His standout performances included playing a key role in Ajax’s deep run in the Champions League, culminating in a semi-final appearance, which further cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football.
8. Bayern Came Calling Following His Success at Ajax
Following his successful tenure at Ajax, where he made significant contributions domestically and in European competitions, Bayern Munich took notice of Mazraoui’s talent.
In May 2022, Bayern announced the signing of Mazraoui on a four-year contract, effective from 1 July 2022. He spent two seasons at the Allianz Arena before Manchester United sealed his services on August 13 2024 as he signed a four-year deal with the Premier League giants.
9. He is of Moroccan Descent and Represents The Atlas Lions Internationally
Although raised in the Netherlands, Noussair Mazraoui's Moroccan heritage has always been a significant part of his identity. Embracing his roots, he chose to represent Morocco on the international stage, making his debut for the Atlas Lions in 2018.
His international career reached new heights during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he played a crucial role in Morocco's historic journey to the semi-finals—the first time an African nation had advanced so far in the tournament. Mazraoui's impressive performances highlighted his deep connection to Moroccan football and his influential presence at club and international level.
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