Crystal Palace Academy Sign Taha Majni
Crystal Palace Academy proudly announces the signing of Taha Majni, a talented defender hailing from the Moroccan club Union Touarga. At just 18 years old, Majni makes history as the first player to transition directly from Morocco’s Botola Pro league to a Premier League club, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the academy. This move not only highlights the club's commitment to nurturing international talent but also emphasizes the increasing connections between various football leagues around the world.
Majni began his career at Union Touarga, where he progressed through the youth system before making his senior debut in June 2025. During his time in the Moroccan league, he showcased his abilities in a pivotal match against Wydad Fès, contributing to his team’s success in the Excellence Cup Semi-Final. Demonstrating versatility, he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a right-back, amassing a total of 17 senior appearances, with 15 of those occurring last season, including 13 starts.
His impressive performances at the club level were further complemented by his participation in Morocco’s remarkable victory at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile last year. At only 17, he played a crucial role in the team that triumphed over football giants such as Brazil, Spain, France, and Argentina, leading Morocco to its first-ever Under-20 World Cup title. Following this success, Majni has made strides into the Under-23 national team, earning two caps in March, including a starting position in a competitive match against Ivory Coast.
Upon joining Crystal Palace, Majni expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, "Palace are one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and around the world. They have achieved a lot in recent years, so I’m very excited to begin this new adventure with the club." Academy Director Gary Issott echoed this sentiment, highlighting Majni's impressive track record and his potential for growth within the Palace environment. Issott remarked, "Taha enjoyed an excellent 25/26 season, gaining valuable senior experience in the Moroccan top-flight and helping Morocco lift the Under-20 World Cup at just 17. He is a talented and versatile defender who has impressed us with his performances, and we believe Palace is the right environment for him to continue his development."
As Taha Majni joins Darren Powell’s Under-21s squad, he will compete across various prestigious tournaments, including Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup, and the EFL Trophy. His signing not only adds depth to the academy but also brings a wealth of international experience that can greatly benefit his new teammates.
As reported by cpfc.co.uk.
