Moroccan Talent Safouane Benzahra Set for First Monaco Professional Deal

Friday 18 September 2026 - 09:44

Moroccan attacking midfielder Safouane Benzahra is reportedly on the verge of taking the next major step in his young career, with the 18-year-old expected to sign his first professional contract with AS Monaco in the coming days.

Benzahra joined the Monaco Academy in the summer of 2025 after leaving NAC Breda, where he had spent seven seasons progressing through the Dutch club’s youth system. He initially arrived in the Principality under a three-year trainee agreement and has since emerged as one of the academy players being considered for a transition to senior football.

A productive first season in Monaco

Benzahra made a strong impression during his first campaign with Monaco's U19 side. Across 18 appearances, the Moroccan teenager scored eight goals and provided seven assists, performances that earned him promotion to the club's Elite Group.

His development subsequently brought him closer to the first team, providing an opportunity to train and compete alongside established professionals.

From the Academy to the first team

During Monaco's preparations for the 2026-27 season, Benzahra was included in head coach Filipe Luis' squad for the club's training camp in England.

One of the highlights of the preseason came at Anfield on August 9, when Monaco defeated Liverpool 3-2 in a friendly. Benzahra was involved in the match as he continued to gain experience at senior level.

His progression accelerated further during the competitive season. The midfielder featured in both legs of Monaco's UEFA Conference League qualifying playoff and subsequently made his Ligue 1 debut on September 4.

That first appearance in France's top flight came at the Parc des Princes, where Monaco recorded a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

A Moroccan prospect on the rise

Benzahra's emergence has also been followed at international level. The midfielder has represented Morocco in the youth ranks, making three appearances for the national U18 team and also receiving a call-up to the U20 setup.

A professional contract with Monaco would formalize the next stage of a progression that has taken him from the youth system at NAC Breda to senior football in one of Europe's major leagues.

For Monaco, his anticipated promotion reflects the club's continued investment in developing young talent through its Academy and gradually introducing promising players to the demands of first-team football.