PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Munir Mohand Mohamedi El Kajoui |
| Date of Birth | 10/05/1989 (Age: 37) |
| Place of Birth | Melilla, Spain |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Height | 1.90 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 89 kg |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #1 |
| Current Club | RS Berkane |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Wahda (KSA), Hatayspor, Málaga, Numancia |
| International Caps | 52 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
The Frozen Moment
The Atlanta sun was unforgiving. June 2026. Morocco were preparing for their World Cup campaign in Group C, a daunting group featuring five-time champions Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Munir El Kajoui stood alongside his teammates, a veteran presence in a squad blending experience with exciting young talent. He had been here before—twice. The 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he started all three matches. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was part of the historic run to the semi-finals as a backup.
Now, at 37 years old, he was preparing for his third World Cup, selected by new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi as one of three goalkeepers alongside Yassine Bounou and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
“The group is very united and preparing very well. We know where we are and what we want,” he said before the tournament. “We are motivated, with work, discipline and a lot of concentration for this World Cup.”
The boy born in Melilla, who chose to represent his ancestral homeland over his country of birth, was ready for one more dance on the world stage.
Origins
Munir El Kajoui was born on May 10, 1989, in Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa. Despite being born in Spain, his Moroccan-Riffian heritage connected him deeply to the Atlas Lions.
In 2014, he made the decision to switch his allegiance to the Moroccan national team, a choice that would define his international career. On March 9, 2015, he received his first call-up from manager Ezzaki Badou for a friendly against Uruguay. He made his debut by starting in a 1-0 loss, beginning a journey that would see him earn over 52 caps for the Atlas Lions.
The European Forge
Málaga and Numancia (2010-2015):
El Kajoui began his professional career in Spain, playing for Málaga’s B team before moving to Numancia in the Segunda División.
Hatayspor (2020-2022):
His most productive club spell came in Turkey with Hatayspor. In the 2020-21 season, he made 37 league appearances, followed by 34 appearances in 2021-22. His performances in the Süper Lig earned him recognition as a reliable shot-stopper.
Al-Wahda (2022-2024):
El Kajoui moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Wahda, continuing his career in the Middle East.
RS Berkane (2024-Present):
He returned to Morocco, joining RS Berkane. At 37 years old, he remains the club’s number one goalkeeper. He was also called up to the Morocco U23 squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he helped the team win a bronze medal.
The Anatomy of His Game
El Kajoui is a veteran goalkeeper defined by shot-stopping ability, composure, and exceptional distribution.
In Possession:
He is a progressive passer who excels at launching quick counters and finding teammates with accuracy. His ability to transition play smoothly from defense to attack is a key strength. He ranks highly among Botola Pro goalkeepers for accurate passes (88th percentile) and pass accuracy (80th percentile).
Out of Possession:
El Kajoui is a reliable shot-stopper who consistently pulls off impressive saves, often reacting quickly to unpredictable shots. His command of the area is described as a mixed bag—he reads the game well but doesn’t always assert himself effectively during set pieces.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.90 meters and weighing 89 kilograms, he has the ideal frame for a modern goalkeeper.
Psychological Edge:
El Kajoui’s mental strength is his greatest asset. He has been a part of Morocco’s national team setup for over a decade, playing in two World Cups and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. His experience and leadership are invaluable to a squad transitioning to a new generation under Mohamed Ouahbi.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (International Career)
| Tournament | Apps | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup (2018, 2022, 2026) | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Africa Cup of Nations (2017, 2019, 2021) | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 9 | 4 | 7 |
| Friendlies | 18 | — | 10 |
| TOTAL (Senior Career) | 52 | — | — |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | In Progress |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 1 | Semi-Finalist |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 3 | Group Stage |
| Africa Cup of Nations | 6 | — |
| Olympic Games (U23) | 3 | Bronze Medal (2024) |
| Morocco Senior Career | 52 | — |
TABLE C: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Olympic Bronze Medal | 2024 |
| FIFA World Cup Semi-Finalist | 2022 |
| Total Major Trophies | 1 |
What these figures reveal
is a goalkeeper who has been a consistent presence for Morocco for over a decade. El Kajoui has represented his country in three World Cups and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning 52 caps. His World Cup debut came in 2018, where he started all three matches, and he was part of the historic 2022 run to the semi-finals.
The Present Tense
Munir El Kajoui is 37 years old and approaching the end of his international career. He is RS Berkane’s number one and Morocco’s third-choice goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.
The RS Berkane Story:
El Kajoui joined RS Berkane in 2024 and has become the club’s number one goalkeeper. He continues to perform at a high level in the Botola Pro, maintaining his spot in the national team.
The World Cup Campaign:
El Kajoui was named in Mohamed Ouahbi’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Yassine Bounou and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti. Morocco are competing in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. He spoke before the tournament about the team’s unity and ambition: “The group is very united and preparing very well. We know where we are and what we want.”
International Record:
El Kajoui has 52 caps for Morocco and has played in three World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026). He also won a bronze medal with Morocco U23 at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, El Kajoui is known for his professionalism and leadership. He has been a part of Morocco’s national team for over a decade and is a respected figure in the dressing room.
His decision to choose Morocco over Spain, the country of his birth, reflects his deep connection to his Moroccan-Riffian heritage. He has spoken about the importance of family and national pride in his career.
His Olympic bronze medal in 2024 was a significant achievement, adding a rare Olympic honor to his international resume.
The Verdict from the Camp
Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco head coach:
Ouahbi has selected El Kajoui for the 2026 World Cup, valuing his experience and leadership in a squad transitioning to a new generation.
Munir El Kajoui:
“We are motivated, with work, discipline and a lot of concentration for this World Cup.”
“The group is very united and preparing very well. We know where we are and what we want.”
Statistic:
El Kajoui has 52 caps for Morocco.
Statistic:
El Kajoui has played in three World Cups.
Where Next?
Munir El Kajoui is 37 years old and in the twilight of his career. He is under contract with RS Berkane and continues to play at a high level in the Botola Pro.
For Morocco, he is a veteran leader. His experience, professionalism, and mentorship of younger players make him invaluable. The 2026 World Cup is likely his last major tournament.
From Melilla to Málaga, from Hatayspor to RS Berkane, Munir El Kajoui’s journey is a story of loyalty, resilience, and extraordinary dedication to the Moroccan national team. The Melilla-born goalkeeper who chose the Atlas Lions has represented his country in three World Cups and won an Olympic bronze medal.
