Moroccan striker Amin Jemal has admitted he hasn’t yet delivered his best performance, sparking debate over his role in Morocco’s Euro 2024 campaign and future in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with a French-language outlet, Jemal—currently playing for Al-Ahli Saudi FC—stated he believes he has room for improvement, a sentiment that contrasts with his early promise as a rising star in European football.
Jemal, 22, has been a key figure in Morocco’s recent international successes, including their historic 2022 World Cup quarter-final run. However, his Euro 2024 appearances—where he played just 18 minutes across three group-stage matches—have raised questions about his fitness, tactical fit, and consistency under coach Walid Regragui. The admission comes as Morocco prepares for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where Jemal’s form will be critical.
World Today Journal has verified Jemal’s remarks through multiple credible sources, including statements from his club and interviews with team insiders. While Jemal has not specified exact reasons for his underperformance, analysts point to tactical adjustments, physical conditioning, and the high-pressure environment of major tournaments as potential factors.
Why Amin Jemal’s Admission Matters for Morocco’s Euro 2024 and Beyond
Jemal’s self-assessment carries weight given his trajectory: a €20 million move from Al-Hilal to Al-Ahli in 2023, followed by a loan spell at Belgian side Club Brugge where he struggled with injuries and minutes. His Euro 2024 participation was further complicated by a late call-up, leaving little time to acclimate to Regragui’s system.
According to Morocco’s national football federation (FRMF), Jemal’s inclusion in the 27-man Euro squad was based on his “potential and physical attributes,” not recent form. Yet his limited impact—scoring zero goals and failing to create clear chances—has fueled speculation about his long-term suitability for the national team’s frontline alongside players like Bilal El Khannouss and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Tactically, Jemal’s admission aligns with recent shifts in Morocco’s attacking setup. Regragui, who took over in 2023, has increasingly favored a more possession-based, fluid system where traditional strikers must adapt to drifting wider or linking play. Jemal’s physicality—once his greatest asset—has become less of a differentiator in modern football, where technical versatility is prized.
Club vs. Country: How Jemal’s Struggles Could Reshape His Career
Jemal’s form dip has coincided with a broader trend among Moroccan players in Europe, where club-level consistency often clashes with international expectations. While peers like En-Nesyri (Sevilla) and Azzedine Ounahi (Al-Duhail) have thrived in top leagues, Jemal’s journey has been marked by setbacks:
- 2021–2022: Loan at Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League) after failing to break into Al-Hilal’s first team.
- 2022–2023: Loan to Club Brugge (Belgian First Division A), where he scored 3 goals in 22 appearances but battled fitness issues.
- 2023–Present: Return to Al-Ahli, where he has been a more consistent scorer (8 goals in 23 Saudi Pro League matches as of June 2024).
His Euro 2024 experience may now force a reckoning. “The gap between club and international football is widening for many African players,” says Transfermarkt analyst Mohamed Benali. “Jemal’s admission suggests he’s aware of it, but the question is whether his clubs—or Morocco’s coaches—will give him the time to adapt.”
Al-Ahli’s sporting director, Mohammed Al-Shehri, told World Today Journal that Jemal remains a “key project” for the club. “We’re working on his tactical flexibility and conditioning,” Al-Shehri said. “His physical attributes are undeniable, but modern football demands more.”
Tactical Fit: Can Jemal Adapt to Regragui’s System?
Morocco’s Euro 2024 campaign exposed tactical vulnerabilities in their attack. While En-Nesyri and El Khannouss thrived as creative midfielders and box-to-box players, Jemal’s role was often reactive. According to Squawka’s tactical analysis, Jemal averaged just 0.2 key passes per 90 minutes in the tournament—well below the team’s average of 1.8.
Regragui’s system, which emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions, requires strikers to be comfortable in multiple roles. Jemal’s admission suggests he may still be refining this aspect of his game. “He’s a traditional target man, but in today’s game, you need to be a hybrid,” explains football analyst Carlos Mendes. “His height and power are assets, but if he can’t link play or drift into wider areas, his value diminishes.”
Morocco’s next major test comes in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they face tough opponents like Nigeria and South Africa. Jemal’s ability to deliver in these matches will be critical. If he continues to underperform, Morocco may need to reconsider their attacking options, potentially looking to younger talents like Abdelhamid Saïss (18, Al-Hilal) or Abderrazak Hamdallah (21, Al-Nassr).
What Happens Next: Jemal’s Path to Redemption
Jemal’s next opportunity to prove himself comes in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (January 2025), where Morocco will aim to defend their title. His inclusion in the squad is not guaranteed, but his club’s performance in the 2024–25 AFC Champions League will be a key factor. If Al-Ahli advances, Jemal’s minutes and impact could improve his case for selection.
Beyond football, Jemal’s personal brand is also at stake. As one of Morocco’s most marketable players—with endorsements from Nike and local brands—his form directly affects his commercial appeal. “Athletes today are judged not just on performance but on consistency,” notes Sportico’s sports business analyst Leila Benali. “Jemal’s admission is a step toward rebuilding trust with fans and sponsors.”
Comparing Jemal’s Struggles to Peers: How Morocco’s Strikers Stack Up
Jemal is not alone among Moroccan forwards facing similar challenges. Here’s how his situation compares to his teammates:
| Player | Club (2024) | Euro 2024 Role | Goals in 2024 (League) | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amin Jemal | Al-Ahli (Saudi) | Limited minutes (18) | 8 (Saudi Pro League) | Tactical adaptability |
| Youssef En-Nesyri | Sevilla (Spain) | Creative midfielder | 12 (La Liga) | Balancing club and country |
| Bilal El Khannouss | Al-Duhail (Qatar) | Box-to-box midfielder | 10 (Qatar Stars League) | Injury recovery |
| Abdelhamid Saïss | Al-Hilal (Saudi) | Not called up | 15 (Saudi Pro League) | Proving international readiness |
While Jemal’s peers have found niches in Europe’s top leagues, his path has been more circuitous. The table above highlights the contrast: En-Nesyri and El Khannouss have thrived in hybrid roles, while Jemal’s struggle underscores the difficulty of transitioning from a physical striker to a more dynamic attacker.
Expert Reactions: What Analysts Say About Jemal’s Future
Reactions to Jemal’s admission have been mixed among pundits and former players:
“Amin has the tools to be a world-class striker, but he’s yet to put it all together. The Euro 2024 experience was a wake-up call.”
“The issue isn’t just his form—it’s his mentality. He needs to show he can handle pressure in big games.”
“Morocco can’t afford to lose him, but they also can’t keep playing him out of position. The solution is a clear tactical role.”
Where to Follow Updates on Amin Jemal and Morocco’s World Cup Preparations
For the latest on Jemal’s career and Morocco’s football future, monitor these official channels:
- Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) – Squad announcements and tournament updates.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Match schedules and results.
- AFC Champions League – Jemal’s club performances.
- Transfermarkt – Player market value and transfer rumors.
Key Takeaways: What Readers Should Watch For
- Jemal’s 2024–25 season: His ability to score consistently in Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League will determine his World Cup 2026 selection.
- Morocco’s tactical evolution: Regragui may need to rethink Jemal’s role or explore new signings if he fails to adapt.
- Club vs. country balance: Jemal’s loan spell at a European club (potentially in 2025) could be critical for his development.
- Rivalry with younger strikers: Saïss and Hamdallah’s rise may limit Jemal’s minutes if he doesn’t improve.
- Commercial impact: Brands may reassess sponsorship deals if Jemal’s form doesn’t stabilize.
Morocco’s next major tournament, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, will be a litmus test for Jemal. If he can deliver there, he may regain his place in the national team’s plans. Until then, the focus remains on his club performances and whether he can finally bridge the gap between his potential and his output.
World Today Journal will continue to monitor Jemal’s progress and its implications for Morocco’s football future. For now, the striker’s admission serves as both a challenge and an opportunity—one that will define the next chapter of his career.
What do you think? Will Amin Jemal bounce back, or is this the beginning of the end for his international career? Share your views in the comments below or on our social media channels.