Achraf Bencharki
Biography of football player Achraf Bencharki
- Full Name: Achraf Bencharki
- Date of Birth: September 24, 1994
- Age: 30 years
- Place of Birth: Oulad Zbair, Morocco
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Height: 1.76 m (5 feet 9 1/2 inches)
- Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
- Current Club: Al Rayyan, Qatar
- Number: 77
Football Career:
Moghreb Tétouan (2014 - 2016):
Achraf Bencharki began his professional career with Moghreb Tétouan, playing in the Moroccan league. In the 2014-2015 season, he appeared in 25 matches and scored 4 goals. He demonstrated his strong finishing ability and teamwork skills. In the 2015-2016 season, his performance improved further, scoring 9 goals in 27 matches, becoming one of the standout players. In June 2016, he scored a hat-trick against Hassania Agadir, gaining widespread attention for his potential.
Wydad Casablanca (2016 - 2018):
On August 24, 2016, Bencharki transferred to Wydad Casablanca, one of Morocco's biggest clubs, on a 4-year contract. This move marked a significant step in his career. In the 2016-2017 season, he played a key role in helping Wydad win the CAF Champions League, scoring crucial goals. In November 2017, he scored a fantastic goal against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League final, contributing to Wydad’s continental success. In the 2017-2018 season, he played 30 league matches, scoring 4 goals.
Al Hilal (2018 - 2019):
In January 2018, Bencharki moved to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia on a contract until 2021. In his first match against Al Nassr in the Riyadh derby, he scored in the 88th minute, helping his team secure a 2-2 draw. He played a major role in Al Hilal’s triumph in the Saudi Pro League in 2018-2019 and AFC Champions League in 2019. He scored 3 goals in 13 league matches during the 2017-2018 season.
RC Lens (Loan 2018 - 2019):
In the 2018-2019 season, Bencharki was loaned to RC Lens in France's Ligue 2, where he made 23 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. This loan move helped him gain more experience in European football.
Zamalek SC (2019 - 2022):
In July 2019, Bencharki joined Zamalek SC in Egypt on a 3-year contract. This move was a significant milestone in his career. In the 2019-2020 season, he scored in the Egyptian Cup final against Pyramids FC, leading Zamalek to win the title. In the 2020-2021 season, he showcased his full potential by scoring 15 goals and assisting 7 in 30 league matches, becoming one of the key players in Zamalek's Egyptian Premier League title win in 2021. In total, he played 73 matches for Zamalek, scoring 26 goals.
Al Jazira (2022 - 2023):
In the 2022-2023 season, Bencharki moved to Al Jazira in the UAE, where he played 24 matches, scoring 5 goals and assisting 2 others. However, his time with the club was short-lived as he transferred to Al Rayyan in Qatar in 2023.
Al Rayyan (2023 - Present):
In 2023, Bencharki joined Al Rayyan in Qatar. He has played 19 matches so far, scoring 10 goals in the Qatari league, establishing himself as one of the team's most important players.
International Career:
Moroccan U-23 National Team:
- Toulon Tournament 2015: Bencharki participated in this tournament, scoring 4 goals, including two against England. Although Morocco lost in the final to France, Bencharki's performances earned him recognition.
Morocco National Team:
- On November 11, 2017, Bencharki made his debut for the Moroccan national team in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast, playing a key role in Morocco’s qualification for the tournament.
- He also participated in the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations with the senior team, where he showed his talent in the competition.
- Although he didn't feature heavily in the 2018 World Cup, he was crucial in Morocco's qualification and pre-tournament matches.
Detailed Statistics:
| Club | Season | League Matches | Goals | Cup Matches | Goals | Other Matches | Goals | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moghreb Tétouan | 2014–2015 | 25 | 4 | - | - | - | - | 53 |
| 2015–2016 | 27 | 9 | - | - | - | - | 53 | |
| Wydad Casablanca | 2016–2017 | 25 | 4 | - | - | 7 | 2 | 32 |
| 2017–2018 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 13 | |
| Al Hilal | 2017–2018 | 7 | 3 | - | - | 6 | 0 | 13 |
| RC Lens (Loan) | 2018–2019 | 23 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | 26 |
| Zamalek SC | 2019–2020 | 22 | 3 | 4 | - | 11 | 6 | 40 |
| 2020–2021 | 30 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 0 | - | 41 | |
| 2021–2022 | 21 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 30 | |
| Al Jazira | 2022–2023 | 24 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | - | 33 |
| Al Rayyan | 2023–2024 | 19 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 2 | - | 24 |
| Total | 228 | 64 | 22 | 44 | 13 | 305 |
Honours:
Wydad Casablanca:
- CAF Champions League: 2017
- Moroccan League (Botola Pro): 2016-2017
- Moroccan Super Cup: 2017
Al Hilal:
- Saudi Pro League: 2018-2019
- AFC Champions League: 2019
- Saudi Super Cup: 2018
Zamalek SC:
- Egyptian Premier League: 2020-2021
- Egyptian Cup: 2019-2020
- CAF Super Cup: 2020
Achraf Bencharki has become one of the most prominent names in Arab football, thanks to his achievements and contributions at the club and international levels.
