Nayef Aguerd

A Moroccan professional centre-back currently with Ligue 1 side Marseille, Aguerd built a career spanning Botola, French regional football, and Europe’s top leagues. His trophy cabinet includes the 2018 African Nations Championship with Morocco, the 2022-23 Europa Conference League with West Ham, and the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup. Named in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was one of the standout performers during the historic 2022 tournament where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Aguerd returned to Ligue 1 in September 2025, signing with Marseille on a five-year deal reportedly worth around €23 million.

In 2025-26, Aguerd has made 16 Ligue 1 appearances, starting all of them, though he has not featured in competitive action since March following a groin injury requiring surgery, with complications including a pubic bone fracture hampering his recovery prospects. The defender will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being replaced by Marwane Saadane, as the coaching staff decided against the risk of keeping a defender lacking full match fitness and readiness after weeks on the sidelines.