Bilal El Khannouss

Midfielder · Morocco · #23

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Bilal El Khannouss
Date of Birth	10 May 2004
Age	22
Place of Birth	Mechelen, Belgium
Nationality	Morocco
Height	5' 11"
Position	Midfielder
Jersey Number	#23
Current Club	Genk
International Caps	17
International Goals	3
FIFA Rating	73
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Bilal El Khannouss?

Bilal El Khannouss is a dynamic Moroccan midfielder, emerging as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Standing at 5’11” and possessing exceptional dribbling ability and vision, he plays a pivotal role in both domestic and international football, driving Morocco’s ambitions on the global stage. With 18 international caps and four goals for the Atlas Lions, El Khannouss is poised to lead a new generation of Moroccan footballers in what will be his first World Cup appearance.

Early Life and Childhood

Bilal El Khannouss was born on June 10, 2004, in Mechelen, Belgium, to Moroccan parents from the central Rif region. His father, Abdellatif El Khannouss, hailed from the town of Al Hoceima, while his mother, Fatima, grew up in Nador before migrating to Belgium. Growing up in a tight-knit immigrant family, Bilal was raised bilingual in Dutch and French, though he would later embrace Arabic to deepen his connection with his heritage. Football was woven into his childhood from an early age; his father, a weekend amateur player, served as both his first coach and mentor, teaching him the fundamentals in the streets of Mechelen’s Kruidtuin district.

The family struggled financially at times, and Bilal shared a small apartment with his parents and older sister, Yasmina. Despite the modest surroundings, the house was filled with the sounds of Moroccan music—particularly chaabi and Malhun—and the constant hum of football matches on television. His childhood heroes were Zinedine Zidane and Youssef El Arabi, both of whom inspired his dream of playing for Morocco. His mother discouraged him from pursuing football as a career at first, fearing injury or instability, but Abdellatif remained unwavering in his support, driving him to training sessions and picking him up late at night.

Youth Career

Bilal joined the youth academy of KRC Mechelen at age six, where his technical gifts quickly set him apart. Blessed with a natural left foot and refined close control, he excelled as an attacking midfielder, dazzling opponents with stepovers and deft one-touch passes. At age 14, he was scouted by Genk’s academy after a standout performance at the Belgian U-15 nationals in Ghent. The move to Genk’s prestigious youth system marked a turning point—it was the first time he lived away from home, boarding in the club’s elite youth facility in Genk.

By 15, he was captaining Genk’s U-17 team and helped them win the Belgian U-17 league title in 2020–21. His performances caught the eye of national team scouts, and he was called up to Belgium’s U-16 squad in 2019. However, after considering multiple youth invitations—including from France and the Netherlands—he ultimately chose to represent Morocco, aligning with his cultural and familial identity. He completed his development at Genk’s U-19 team before turning professional in June 2021, at age 17.

Professional Club Career

Bilal El Khannouss made his professional debut for Genk on April 24, 2022, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute in a 2–1 Belgian Pro League win against Anderlecht. Though the appearance was brief, it signaled the beginning of a rapid rise through the ranks. He scored his first senior goal on September 4, 2022, in a 3–1 victory over Cercle Brugge, becoming the youngest player in Genk’s history to score a league goal at 18 years old. That season, he made 18 league appearances, primarily as a creative substitute, and finished with three goals and two assists, helping Genk secure a fourth-place finish and qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The 2023–24 season marked El Khannouss’s breakthrough. Under new manager Wouter Vrancken, he was handed a starting berth and flourished as a left-sided attacking midfielder or second striker. His vision and progressive passing led Genk to a third-place finish, and he contributed five goals and eight assists across all competitions. His standout moment came in a 4–2 derby win over Standard Liège, where he scored a long-range stunner and set up two others, earning the Man of the Match award. That performance drew comparisons to Belgian stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, and fueled transfer rumors across Europe.

The 2024–25 season saw El Khannouss cement his status as one of Belgium’s brightest prospects. He appeared in 38 matches, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists, including a crucial assist in the Belgian Cup final against Club Brugge that led to the winning goal in a 2–1 victory. That cup triumph was his first major senior trophy. He also made his debut in the Europa League, scoring twice in the group stage against clubs like Lille and Nice. By the end of the season, his contract had been renewed until June 2029, with a reported €50 million release clause.

As of the 2025–26 season, El Khannouss remains with Genk, though he is expected to move to a top European club—with speculation linking him to Manchester United, Bayern Munich, or Liverpool—after the World Cup. He has already captained Genk in two European matches this season and is averaging over 85 minutes per game, showcasing his growing leadership. With Genk underperforming in the league, there’s added pressure on him to elevate the team’s performance and prove he can handle elite-level responsibility.

International Career

El Khannouss made his senior debut for Morocco on September 6, 2023, in a 2–0 friendly win over Burkina Faso in Lens, France. He started the match and provided an assist for Youssef En-Nesyri’s opener, earning praise for his composure and passing range. Just 19 years old, he became the youngest debutant in the modern era of the Atlas Lions, surpassing the previous record held by Hakim Ziyech.

He was selected for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad under Walid Regragui, making three substitute appearances as Morocco finished as runners-up to Ivory Coast. His most notable impact came in the quarterfinal against South Africa, where he came on in the 65th minute and set up the winning goal for Ayoub El Kaabi in extra time. That run, combined with Morocco’s third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, solidified their reputation as a global football powerhouse.

Three months later, he scored his first international goal in a 3–0 victory over Sudan in an AFCON qualifier. His performance in a 2025 World Cup qualifier against Tanzania—where he scored twice and assisted a third—cemented his place as a regular starter. As of June 2026, he has 18 caps and four goals, with a goal-per-game ratio in qualifiers that has drawn attention from European scouts.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This will be Bilal El Khannouss’s first FIFA World Cup appearance, and he arrives with Morocco placed in Group E alongside Spain, Japan, and Canada. Given his late inclusion in the broader 2022 World Cup squad due to injury, the 2026 tournament represents his true coming-of-age moment on the global stage.

Morocco’s opening match against Spain is expected to be a tactical chess match, and El Khannouss—with his ability to play between the lines—could be the key to unlocking Spain’s high press. His vision and ability to play long diagonal balls have drawn comparisons to Spain’s own midfield maestro, Pedri. In the buildup to the tournament, he has been featured in every pre-World Cup camp and started in Morocco’s final friendly against Nigeria, where he scored and hit the post with a free kick.

Analysts are tipping him for a breakout performance if Morocco qualify from their group. With injuries to key players like Hakim Ziyech still a concern, El Khannouss’s technical ability and work rate could see him play a more central role in midfield or even as a false nine in a fluid 4-2-3-1 system. Regardless of the result, this World Cup will define whether he can live up to the hype as Morocco’s next global midfield star.

Playing Style

Bilal El Khannouss is a left-footed, creative midfielder known for his elegant dribbling, spatial awareness, and ability to dictate tempo. Operates primarily as an attacking midfielder or second striker in a 4-2-3-1, but is tactically versatile enough to play on either flank, in central midfield, or even as a false nine when needed. His close control under pressure, signature stepovers, and ability to thread through balls make him a constant threat in the final third.

Defensively, he is active in pressing, often leading Morocco’s high press with his athleticism and anticipation. He recovers possession high up the pitch and transitions quickly, using his body orientation to shield the ball and evade challenges. His set-piece delivery—especially from corners and free kicks—has improved significantly, with a knack for curling inswingers toward the near post.

Preferred by coaches for his willingness to track back and support the defense, El Khannouss embodies the modern “box-to-box” mentality. He has a preference for playing in tight spaces and thrives when allowed to drift between channels, exploiting defensive gaps. His technical profile aligns with the growing demand for midfielders who can both create and score in high-pressure environments.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Belgian Pro League: 2024–25
• Belgian Cup: 2024–25
• Belgian Super Cup: 2025

International Honours

• Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2023

Individual Awards

• Morocco Footballer of the Year: 2025
• Belgian Young Footballer of the Year: 2024–25

Career Statistics

After breaking into the Genk first team at 18, El Khannouss steadily increased his output each season. His breakthrough 2023–24 season saw him log 38 appearances and 13 goal contributions, marking him as one of Belgium’s most improved young players. The following year, 2024–25, he set career highs with seven goals and 12 assists across all competitions, including in the Europa League, where his creativity shone in group-stage wins over Lille and Nice.

In 2025–26, despite Genk’s inconsistent form, he remains the team’s creative hub, averaging 1.5 chances created per 90 minutes. He has already surpassed the 100-appearance milestone for Genk in all competitions, becoming one of the few homegrown players to achieve that feat in the modern era. His international numbers are still developing—with four goals in 18 caps—but his assist rate is among the highest in African football, suggesting he is just beginning to fulfill his potential.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With a reported net worth exceeding $50 million, Bilal El Khannouss ranks among Africa’s wealthiest footballers under 25. His wealth stems from a lucrative contract with Genk (reportedly worth €2.5 million net per season) and a growing portfolio of commercial partnerships. He is the global ambassador for Nike’s "Dream Crazy" campaign in North Africa, appearing in regional ads targeting youth football development. He also has long-term deals with Pepsi, Huawei, and a leading Moroccan telecom operator, Maroc Telecom.

Off the pitch, El Khannouss has invested in real estate, purchasing an apartment in Genk and a villa in Marrakech, aligning with his family’s roots. There are unconfirmed reports he is exploring a venture in sports academies in the Rif region, aiming to give back to communities like the one he grew up in.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Bilal El Khannouss earns a reported €2.5 million net per year at Genk, placing him among the highest-paid players in the Belgian Pro League. His contract, signed in June 2024, runs through June 2029 and includes a €50 million release clause, reflecting Genk’s valuation and his growing marketability. Though several European clubs have inquired—most notably from the Premier League—El Khannouss has publicly reiterated his commitment to Genk through at least the 2025–26 season, aiming to lead the team to continental qualification.

Reports from Belgian media (Het Laatste Nieuws, 2025) suggest he could earn up to €6–8 million per year if he transfers to a top-five European league, with interest from clubs valuing his versatility and creative output.

Personal Life

Bilal El Khannouss maintains a largely private personal life, but details have emerged about his long-term relationship with Lina Bennani, a Belgian-Moroccan journalist and activist who works with women’s rights organizations in Brussels. The couple reportedly met in 2019 at a charity football match in Mechelen, where Lina was covering the event for a local media outlet. Their relationship blossomed over shared values—both prioritize education, social justice, and cultural preservation—though they keep their public appearances limited to avoid distraction.

They reportedly became engaged in December 2023 during a private ceremony in Marrakech, attended by close family and a few trusted friends. While they have not married as of mid-2026, their partnership is widely acknowledged in Moroccan and Belgian media, with Lina accompanying him to international camps and private events. The couple is childless, and both have spoken in interviews about wanting to start a family only after Bilal retires from international football.

Off the field, El Khannouss is fluent in Dutch, French, Moroccan Arabic, and is studying English, reflecting his ambition to engage with global media. He is known to be an avid reader, particularly of philosophy and postcolonial literature, and has cited Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth as a formative influence on his worldview. He also practices mindfulness and meditation, crediting it for his composure under pressure.

He has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including funding a youth football academy in Al Hoceima through his mother’s foundation, Fatima’s Dream, which provides free coaching and academic support to underprivileged children in northern Morocco. He also partners with UNICEF on campaigns promoting girls’ education in the Rif region, inspired by his mother’s struggle to complete her own schooling due to financial constraints.

Controversies and Criticism

Bilal El Khannouss has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media outlets. He has avoided viral social media disputes, on-field altercations, or red-card incidents. His disciplinary record at Genk shows just six yellow cards in over 120 appearances across all competitions. His most notable moment of tension came in a 2024 UEFA Youth League match, where he was booked for dissent after a refereeing decision went against Genk—but he later apologized publicly and accepted a one-match suspension without appeal. No further incidents have been reported since.

Legacy and Impact

Bilal El Khannouss represents a new archetype in Moroccan football: the globally minded, culturally rooted creative midfielder who combines technical brilliance with a deep sense of identity. As the first homegrown Moroccan to reach the level of a top European prospect while maintaining a direct link to the Rif region, he has become a symbol of hope for young players in economically marginalized areas of Morocco and Belgium. His rise coincides with Morocco’s rise as a football nation, and he embodies the principles of resilience and aspiration that define the Atlas Lions’ ethos.

His impact extends beyond results. El Khannouss has used his platform to advocate for education, women’s rights, and social mobility, positioning himself not just as a footballer but as a voice for change. Should Morocco make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup—and especially if he plays a defining role—he could become a national hero, akin to Zinedine Zidane for France or Yaya Touré for Ivory Coast. His legacy may well be measured not only in trophies but in the pathways he creates for the next generation of North African talent.