Football
The story of the forgotten Hachim Mastour. What happened to the talented footballer who was coveted by Europe’s leading clubs at the age of 14?
Moroccan footballer Hachim Mastour was a global sensation. At the age of 14, almost the entire football world wanted him, led by clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Moroccan footballer Hachim Mastour was a global sensation. At the age of 14, almost the entire football world wanted him, led by clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
It was the Italian side from Milan that won the battle for his services. At the time, the move to the San Siro cost the club €500,000. Mastour was only 15 years old at the time.
Hachim immediately became a much sought after face and shortly after his move to Italy he even recorded an advert for Red Bull or Nike. Neymar kept him company in the commercials.
At the age of 15, then-coach Clarence Seedorf nominated him for the first team and at the age of 16 he played his first game for the Moroccan national team. Unfortunately, to date, this is the only national team match.
The young footballer was sent on loan to Malaga in Spain in 2015, which ended prematurely. Mastour made only one game appearance, so the Spanish terminated his contract and returned him to Italy.
The following year he was loaned to Zwolle, where they were very excited about his arrival and promised the necessary playing time to develop his immense talent. He didn’t shine in the Netherlands either and was only given six opportunities during the season.
AC Milan later decided not to extend the young footballer’s contract. Mastour signed as a free agent for Greek club Lamia. Even due to injury, he made only six competitive starts in seven months as a result of which both parties agreed to terminate his contract.
The Moroccan tried again to start his career in Italy, but even during his stints at Reggiana and Carpi he failed to make a name for himself.
He was even without a contract for a whole year from June 2021 and no club showed interest in him. Currently, Hachim is playing in the second Moroccan league at Renaissance Zemamra.
Mastour is still only 24 years old, but it seems that his career cannot be saved. All this ten years after he was considered a future megastar and was being pursued by the biggest clubs in the world. The Moroccan footballer is further proof that having talent really isn’t enough.
Source: Livesport, Twitter, Transfermarkt
