Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi’s bicycle kicks at the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have received widespread praise around the world.
Having scored one in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Comoros and another against Zambia, many now say this finish has become the 32-year-old Moroccan striker’s signature.
French outlet L’Equipe said that “this spectacular and slightly old-school move has become the signature of the 32-year-old Olympiakos forward,” stressing that El Kaabi is no stranger to such feats.
Commenting on a three-minute video showcasing his acrobatic feats circulating online, the French outlet said that “these impressive minutes are far from exhaustive. El Kaabi scored four bicycle kicks in the 2020-2021 season alone with Wydad.”
The source added that “it seems impossible to keep track of exactly how many times the Moroccan striker has scored them, but the video alone is enough to showcase his well-honed technique.”
The Athletic, a sports news website owned by The New York Times, called El Kaabi’s goal in Morocco’s match against Zambia in the 50th minute at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium “a stunning acrobatic finish, his second piece of acrobatic brilliance in eight days.”
“It is one we have already become used to seeing from him at this Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” said the news website.
What “makes this goal extra special,” according to the same source, is that it came in “the opening game of a major tournament hosted by his own country.”
The Moroccan striker told the media that scoring for the national team is what matters most, while also admitting he is happy to score such goals.
He added that he is always ready to help the team, whether on the pitch or from the bench.
After a 3-0 win over Zambia, Morocco finished top of their group with seven points and now advance to the round of 16.
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