At just 21 years old, Moroccan midfielder Yassine Khalifi, who plays for Sporting Charleroi, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting discoveries of the Belgian club at the beginning of the current season. Khalifi's journey in football has been marked by determination and hard work, leading him to make an impact in the competitive landscape of Belgian football.
Khalifi joined Sporting Charleroi in the summer of 2025 after transferring from French club Lille. Initially, he faced a lengthy wait before securing his place as a key player in coach Mario Konnan's strategy. His football journey began in his hometown of Marrakech, where he first discovered the sport playing with friends on the streets. He fondly recalls, "I have wonderful memories of that time. That's how I honed my technical skills in tight spaces." Encouraged by a friend who was already playing for a local club, Khalifi participated in various tournaments across Morocco, quickly catching the attention of scouts. At just 12 years old, he successfully passed a trial at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, prompting him to leave Marrakech for Rabat. Reflecting on this transition, he admits, "In the beginning, it was tough. The nights felt long away from my family," but the camaraderie with other academy residents helped him cope with being away from home.
During his time at the academy, Khalifi was close to fellow rising stars Yassir Zbiri of Racing Santander and Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal of Stade Rennais, sharing similar dreams of professional success. He viewed his time at the Mohammed VI Academy as a dream come true, playing in the under-19 category, which represents the highest level of training that the institution offers. By the age of 16, he became the youngest Moroccan to be called up to the national under-20 team, and just a few years later, he celebrated winning the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
At 17, Khalifi left the academy to join Union Touarga, where he embarked on his first experience in professional football, a crucial stage for developing his character and preparing for a move to Europe. Lille then became the next chapter in his journey, where he was under the watchful eye of the French club's officials, eventually joining the club's training center, Domaine de Luchan. Over nearly two years, he played numerous matches with the reserve team, paving the way for his move to Charleroi in the summer of 2025.
Sporting Charleroi provided Khalifi with ample time to adjust during the previous season before he was given his chance. His early days with the team were relatively low-key, yet he made headlines in January when he scored a crucial goal in the Belgian Cup against RFC Liège, despite having limited playing time. Shortly after, during the "Walloon Derby" at the Mambourg Stadium, he took advantage of the absences of Yassine Titraoui and Etienne Kamara to showcase his potential.
Since the start of the season, Yassine Khalifi has become a vital component in the team's midfield. As he has established himself as a starter, the young Moroccan has emerged as one of the driving forces behind Sporting Charleroi's performances. Looking up to Moroccan football legend Mbark Boussoufa, Khalifi expresses his aspirations, stating, "I want to shine in Belgium, just like Mbark Boussoufa did; he was my idol when I was young." This ambition adds a unique dimension to Khalifi's career in Belgium, as he continues his journey from Marrakech to Charleroi, passing through the Mohammed VI Academy, Union Touarga, and Lille, all the while embodying the principles of patience and hard work. He aims to follow in the footsteps of the great Moroccan names that have left a remarkable mark in the Belgian league.
As reported by hespress.com.
