Chouaib Bellaarouch: The Rising Guardian of Morocco’s U17 Dream

At just 17 years old, Chouaib Bellaarouch has become the unexpected hero behind Morocco’s U17 national team’s historic journey to the final of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. The young goalkeeper, a product of the renowned Mohammed VI Football Academy, stole the spotlight in the semifinal against Côte d’Ivoire by making three crucial saves in the penalty shootout.

Despite a muted offensive display from Nabil Baha’s team during the match, Bellaarouch stepped up when it mattered most. Calm and charismatic, he kept Morocco’s hopes alive and carried his teammates through a tense and emotional semifinal that ended 4-3 on penalties.

As the match reached the end of regulation time, Coach Baha’s expression reflected both anxiety and determination. Penalty shootouts are often decided by instinct and luck  something Moroccan fans remember well from Yassine Bounou’s legendary performance against Spain in the 2022 World Cup. This time, it was Bellaarouch who showed incredible composure, especially after two of his teammates, Ilies Bel Mokhtar and Abdellah Ouazzane, missed their penalties.

"Chouaib Bellaarouch was clearly the man of the match. We owe this qualification to him. But he must stay grounded to keep progressing," Baha said after the game.

Throughout the match, Bellaarouch made several key saves that kept Morocco in contention. When the decisive moment arrived, his instincts and laser-sharp focus allowed him to deny the Ivorian shooters three times. His performance not only highlighted his technical abilities but also underscored his mental resilience.

As the younger brother of U23 goalkeeper Alaa Bellaarouch, Chouaib is following in his sibling’s footsteps while forging his own path. His calm presence, skill with the ball at his feet, and contribution to the team's build-up play reflect the modern standards of elite goalkeeping.

Born in Casablanca, Bellaarouch will have another chance to shine on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in the final against Mali. European scouts, already watching closely, may soon come calling. But for now, Bellaarouch has one mission left  helping Morocco lift its first-ever U17 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.