The tale of Souffian El Karouani, a footballer born on 19 October 2000 in the Netherlands, is one of steady pace and promise. Currently aged 25, El Karouani is a defender who has primarily donned FC Utrecht's number 16 jersey as a left back. Standing 5ft 10in (1.78m) tall and weighing 11st 9lb (74kg), he embodies an imposing figure at the backlines. He's not only acclaimed at a club level, but has also proudly represented the Morocco national team. The influence of his performances can also be noted by his current market value, around the region of £13m, as per Transfermarkt.
The inception of El Karouani's career in professional football began in July 2017 when he joined NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands, serving as a trainee. The 2019-2020 season saw his maiden league appearances for the first team, and from that point onwards, there was no turning back for the young defender. El Karouani represented Nijmegen with distinction, featuring in the first team regularly, and scoring a total of five goals over subsequent seasons.
Seeking a new challenge, El Karouani transferred to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie in July 2023. Following the transfer, he made a total of 81 first team appearances in league matches over the next few seasons, finding the back of the net four times. His current season (2025-2026) at FC Utrecht also follows the same pattern of consistency and reliability, with El Karouani making a noteworthy 18 first team appearances and scoring two goals in league matches.
In addition to his local league accomplishments, he also tasted international competitions. During the Africa World Cup Qualifiers 2024-2026, he played for Morocco. Meanwhile, he represented FC Utrecht in the Europa League and Europa League Qualifiers scoring one goal in six starts and two appearances as a substitute. In the KNVB Beker 2025-2026 for FC Utrecht, he made two starts, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his club. Indeed, the trajectory of El Karouani's career is steadily on the rise.
