Ounahi, a 4x4 Phenomenon

Ounahi. In 2022, he was one of the standout figures for the Moroccan national team, which finished fourth after being eliminated by France and overcoming Portugal in the quarter-finals. Azzedine, then playing as an 8, stifled rival attacks and swiftly launched forward. Four years later, he's a 10 – not one of those magical playmakers who once inspired awe, but rather a third midfielder, organizing and distributing further up the pitch, closer to the forwards, or operating from the flanks, especially the right, while also contributing to defensive duties in the midfield. He's a true 4x4 player. It was Ounahi who steered the 'Atlas Lions' back on track against a Canada side employing a 'gegenpressing' style – unsurprising given coach Jesse Marsch's Red Bull schooling – a stark contrast to the team they defeated in Saudi Arabia. He not only scored two crucial goals but also consistently stepped up, becoming a reliable anchor. He does it all with natural flair, that street-football swagger, a South American rhythm that makes him shine even brighter in big matches.

The big question surrounding Ounahi is that we only seem to see him truly perform every four years (4x4). This isn't because he plays in less prominent leagues, but because he struggles to assert himself outside of the national team and short tournaments.

On December 17, 2022, Ounahi featured as a substitute in the third-place playoff loss to Croatia. Just over a month later, on January 29, 2023, he transferred from Angers to Marseille. In September 2024, he was loaned to Panathinaikos. And in August 2025, Girona signed him for €6M, two million less than OM had spent on his acquisition. He recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in 44 games in France, 5 goals and 7 assists in 37 games in Greece, and 5 goals and 3 assists in 23 games in Spain. Yet, he lacked that spark of a destined star. At 26, he's in his prime – a fascinating case study.