*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:20, 11 January 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:52, 18 November 2024 (UTC)
Ezzalzouli made his international debut in 2022, after previously being capped by the nation's youth teams at under-20 level. He was chosen in Morocco's squads for the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
Early life
Born in Morocco, Ezzalzouli moved to Spain with his family at the age of seven to live and started his football youth career in the neighborhood of Carrús, in the city of Elche.[2]
Club career
Hércules
Ezzalzouli was part of the youth academies for numerous club in the Elche area, including Peña Ilicitana Raval CF and Promesas Elche CF.[3] He trialled at Elche CF, the main club in his hometown, but was not offered a place in their academy.[4]Hércules B coach Antonio Moreno Domínguez offered him a contract, and Ezzalzouli subsequently joined the club in the neighbouring city of Alicante, and began his senior career with the B-team in 2019.
Barcelona
Ezzalzouli transferred to Barcelona B on 31 August 2021.[5] He made his professional debut with Barcelona in a 1–1 La Liga draw with Alavés on 30 October 2021, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute. Ezzalzouli thus became the first Moroccan-born player to feature for Barça's first team.[6] He scored his first goal for Barcelona against Osasuna in a 2–2 draw.[7][8]
In September 2022, he renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2026 and was ensuingly loaned to Osasuna.[10] On 4 September, he made his first appearance for Osasuna against Rayo Vallecano after being subbed in the 81st minute, he managed to assist the winning goal in that game, which ended in a 2–1 victory.[11][12][13]
On 26 January 2023, Ezzalzouli scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 victory against Sevilla FC in the 2022–23 Copa del Rey Quarter-final.[14] He scored his first league goal exactly one month later, in a 3–2 win against the same opponent.[15]
Betis
On 1 September 2023, Ezzalzouli signed a five-year contract with fellow La Liga club Betis,[16][17] with the transfer being reportedly worth €7.5 million, plus a buy-back option in favor of Barcelona.[18] On 9 September 2023, Ezzalzouli made his debut in a 5–0 loss against Barcelona.[19] On 1 October 2023, Ezzalzouli scored his first goal for the team in a 3–0 victory against Valencia.[20][21] On 1 November 2023, Ezzalzouli was nominated for the 2023 African Young Player of the Year by CAF.[22]
In September 2022, Ezzalzouli was called up to join the Morocco national team.[28][29] He played his first match in a friendly against Chile at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, which ended in a 2–0 victory.[30][31]