Driven By Memory: Eliesse Ben Seghir’s Story of Purpose and Passion

Eliesse Ben Seghir, Salim’s little brother and born to Moroccan parents, is not just a footballer; he is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. From an early age, he showcased an exceptional talent for the beautiful game, but what truly sets him apart is the spirit that drives him—a spirit shaped by the memory of his late father. The loss of his father became a profound motivator, fueling his desire to succeed at the highest level and leaving a legacy that honours his family.

Born with a rare gift, Eliesse’s precocious talent has been nothing short of extraordinary. His journey from the humble roots of Draa Tafilalt to being recognized as one of the brightest young stars in football reflects a tale of determination and heritage. His ancestry laid the foundation for his growth, deeply influencing the boy who would one day be likened to the legendary Maradona of Morocco.

Loved by everyone who crossed his path, Eliesse’s charisma and natural ability captured hearts from his childhood. This biography delves into his life story, tracing his rise from a young dreamer to a player destined for greatness—a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unyielding drive to make his mark on the world stage.

Preamble:

Getting to know Eliesse Ben Seghir goes beyond his skills on the pitch. It’s about understanding his journey from childhood and his early steps in football. It’s also about discovering his parents and Moroccan roots. We aim to spark your interest in football biographies by sharing the story of Eliesse Ben Seghir beyond the game. To start, here’s a gallery that captures his journey—from his boyhood days to his rise to fame. Eliesse has come a long way. From his adorable childhood moments to becoming the celebrated star he is today, his story is one of growth, resilience, and success.

Eliesse Ben Seghir Childhood Story:

For those getting to know him, he bears the nicknames “The Maradona of Morrocco” and “The Little Prince of Monaco”. Eliesse Ben Seghir was born on the 16th day of February 2005 to Moroccan parents in the historic French municipality of Gassen. The Left winger is one among his siblings, notably his brother, Salim Ben Seghir, both of whom were born out of the blissful marital union between their mum and late Dad. Let’s introduce you to Eliesse Ben Seghir’s only surviving parents, his adorable mum.

Growing Up Years:

Eliesse grew up in the “Cogolin” region (a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France) in a family of Moroccan origin.

Eliesse Ben Seghir’s childhood was filled with the joy of North African French culture, especially the love for football. Inspired by figures like Zinedine Zidane, who brought pride to French football in the early 2000s, the sport thrived in French-North African communities.

Growing up in a football-loving family, Eliesse’s home was always filled with the excitement of the game. His late father, who passed on his passion for football, gave Eliesse his first football shirt when he was just four years old—a Manchester United shirt. This was a clue to the family’s love for the Red Devils. From that moment, Eliesse was hooked on football and never looked back.

Early Life (Football):

At the age of four, Eliesse Ben Seghir received his first sporting gift—a Manchester United shirt from his father. That moment sparked his love for football, and soon the game became a family affair.

Eliesse’s football journey began in the family living room, where he’d practice with his older brother Salim, who is two years older. The two developed a habit of competing against each other, turning every moment into a challenge and a lesson in the beautiful game.

Eliesse Ben Seghir quickly followed in his older brother Salim’s footsteps, watching him play with friends and soon joining in. Growing up, both Eliesse and Salim shared a deep passion for football, spending countless hours playing on the local fields of Cogolin.

Salim, as the older brother, led by example, pushing Eliesse to improve and be the best he could be. Today, their hard work and the strong bond between them have paid off, with both brothers now professional footballers.

Eliesse Ben Seghir often looks back on his childhood with gratitude, especially for the support he received from his older brother and his local childhood club. His smile is a reflection of the care and love he received from those around him.

From the age of five, Eliesse had a strong start to his football journey with his neighborhood club, SC Cogolinois. His early years in the youth categories laid a solid foundation for his career and helped shape his future success.

Eliesse Ben Seghir Family Background:

The foundation of the Left winger is one that denotes humble beginnings, and it started from Saint-Tropez,  a coastal town on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France. That was where Eliesse Ben Seghir’s parents had his older brother, Salim.

Later on, the family moved to settle in the middle-class neighbourhood of Gassin, which is 14 min (8.7 km) via D98A. Eliesse’s parents weren’t the wealthy type, and he is from a middle-class family with no rag-to-riches tale to his name. Like many French citizens with Moroccan heritage living in France, the Ben Seghirs have successfully pursued education, including sporting career opportunities, as seen in Eliesse, their breadwinner.

Eliesse Ben Seghir is thriving in his career, driven by the memory of his late father, who passed away in 2019. The Moroccan-French footballer found a powerful reason to reach the highest levels of the game. Eliesse comes from a family deeply connected to their roots.

He faced tough times when his father passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss led him to stop playing football for two months. He traveled to Tunisia with the family of a close friend but never stopped training. He returned to his team determined to honor his father’s memory.

Today, Eliesse’s passion for football continues to be fueled by the man who introduced him to the game—his father, who also shaped the futures of Eliesse and his older brother, Salim, born on February 24, 2003, who plays for Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax.

Family Origin:

While everyone knows he is a footballer with Moroccan heritage who hails from France, not many know Eliesse Ben Seghir’s North African roots. Results of our research carried out reveal he hails from the village of Azgour, Alnif commune, Tinghir province, Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morrocco.  As seen here, Azgour is a small hilly or mountain town and rural commune which has a total population of 6314 people living in 1187 households based on a Moroccan population census conducted.

Ethnicity:

Eliesse Ben Seghir’s ethnicity reflects his dual heritage. While he was born in Gassin, France, his family’s roots trace back to Azgour, a small town in the Al Haouz Province of the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region in Morocco. This makes him a proud French citizen of Moroccan descent, blending the cultural richness of both nations. Similar to Ismael Bennacer and Sofiane Boufal, his dual identity has played a significant role in shaping his character and connection to both French and Moroccan football communities.

Eliesse Ben Seghir Biography: Football Story:

It all started when Eliesse was 4 years old. His dad gave him a Manchester United shirt, sparking his love for football. Soon after, he began practicing in the family living room. Eliesse then started competing with his older brother, Salim, who led by example. As Eliesse grew older, he joined the youth teams at SC Cogolinois, his local club, where Salim was already playing. Their bond and shared passion for football pushed them both to work harder, creating memories and fueling their desire to succeed. It was at SC Cogolinois that Eliesse laid the foundation for his future, learning the basics that would eventually lead him to the professional ranks.

At age 13, Salim Ben Seghir, Eliesse’s older brother, made a bold move. For the first time, he left his family and traveled 1 hour 37 minutes (111.8 km) via A8 to join the Nice Academy. Meanwhile, Eliesse’s parents weren’t ready to let him go that far. Instead, he left his childhood club for Fréjus Saint-Raphaël, where he spent two seasons. After that, he made the decision to return to his old club, SC Cogolinois, to continue his development.

Making big strides at his boyhood club helped Eliesse Ben Seghir earn a spot at AS Monaco’s prestigious academy, known for producing football legends like Kylian Mbappé, Lilian Thuram (Marcus and Khéphren‘s Dad), Emmanuel Petit, and David Trezeguet. At Monaco, Eliesse formed close friendships with teammates like Maghnes Akliouche, a talented player with North African French heritage. Together, they became some of the best graduates of their generation.

Road to Fame Story:

One of the hardest moments in Eliesse Ben Seghir’s life came in 2020. That year, he lost his father to COVID-19. Losing the man who had been his greatest supporter was devastating. It happened just as Eliesse was nearing graduation from his football academy—a time when his father was about to see the rewards of his hard work in raising a talented footballer.

Eliesse hadn’t yet started earning money from football when his father passed. The pain of not being able to repay the man who shaped his life was unbearable. This is a feeling shared by players like Evalinson and Benoît Badiashile, who also lost their parents before they could give back.

Grief overwhelmed Eliesse, forcing him to temporarily step away from football. Seeking solace, he travelled to Tunisia, a North African country, to escape his pain. While there, he followed a strict training program that helped him rebuild his strength. After two months, he returned to the field, more determined than ever to honour his father’s memory.

Rise to Fame Story:

Eliesse rose through the ranks of the French national team, playing with the under-19s. When the moment was right, he signed his first professional contract with Monaco on August 5, 2022, making his family proud. He joined a Monaco squad full of exciting young talents like Youssouf Fofana and Benoît Badiashile.

Eliesse Ben Seghir gained international attention with a remarkable achievement in his French League debut. At just 17 years, 10 months, and 12 days old, he became the youngest player to score two goals in his first appearance. This historic feat was celebrated by both French and international media, who highlighted how Eliesse surpassed records set by French legends like Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and even Kylian Mbappé.

In 2024, with the support of his mother after his father’s passing, Eliesse made the difficult decision to represent Morocco internationally instead of France. He explained that his choice was driven by his Moroccan heritage. Although it wasn’t easy, he felt his roots were the deciding factor. At a press conference, he shared:

“I made this choice because of my roots; both my parents are Moroccan. It wasn’t easy, but my roots won out. It may seem bold at my age, but why wait when you know what you want? I’m proud of my choice to play for Morocco. It’s a personal decision, and when Morocco calls, it’s hard to refuse.”

 

Eliesse Ben Seghir, a Monaco academy graduate, was also drawn to Morocco’s ambitious football project, which influenced his decision to play for the Atlas Lions. His choice adds to the growing list of dual-nationality players who have chosen Morocco, including the recent addition of Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid. Eliesse made his decision ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, turning down France despite efforts from coach Thierry Henry. At the Olympics, he helped Morocco secure a historic bronze medal, a remarkable achievement for the team. The rest, as we say, is history.

Personality:

When Eliesse Ben Seghir’s former teammate and ex-Monaco captain, Axel Disasi, described him as “an intelligent person outside the pitch with a good head on his shoulders,” we decided to explore further. Our findings revealed that Eliesse is not just smart, but also a selfless, well-rounded individual who excels both in sports and academics. Do you know he is a Novelist, aside from being a professional footballer? For someone like Eliesse, it’s not just about charm or looks; his intelligence and dedication shine through in all aspects of his life.

Lifestyle:

One thing to know about Eliesse Ben Seghir is his humble and down-to-earth lifestyle. He doesn’t use social media to show off luxuries like exotic cars or fancy houses. During holidays, you’ll likely find him at some of the world’s most serene and natural spots. Whether by the water or seaside, he knows how to pick the perfect places to relax and recharge away from football.

Untold Facts:

In the final chapter of Eliesse Ben Seghir’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Now, without further ado, let’s get started.

Eliesse Ben Seghir FC25:

If you’re looking for a wonderkid with all-around football brilliance, Eliesse Ben Seghir is your guy. The young baller from the Moroccan village of Azgour boasts impressive FC25 stats, with a potential rating of 85 and standout A+ attributes across the board.

At just 19, the only area where he’s slightly lacking—besides goalkeeping and defending—is interceptions, which rank at 23%. Despite that, the diminutive Monegasque shines with qualities similar to Morgan Rogers, and his versatility reminds fans of Serbian legend Dušan Tadić.

For gamers playing Football Manager, signing Eliesse is a smart move. He’s affordable and perfect for low-budget transfers, yet his impact on the pitch is game-changing. Now, check out his incredible FC25 stats!

Salary

According to Capology’s AS Monaco player salary rankings, Eliesse Ben Seghir is far from being one of the club’s top earners. As of December 2024, the left-winger earns €11,538 per week and €600,000 annually.

The club’s highest-paid players include Folarin Balogun (€110,557 weekly), Aleksandr Golovin (€110,577), Thilo Kehrer (€92,885), Takumi Minamino (€88,462), Breel Embolo (€77,308), and Denis Zakaria (€75,000).

With Eliesse Ben Seghir’s rising performances, it’s only a matter of time before AS Monaco reviews and increases his salary to reflect his growing impact on the team.

Liked by Messi:

Not long ago, Argentine legend Lionel Messi selected Eliesse Ben Seghir to join his team in an Adidas advertising campaign. Messi was tasked with announcing the international talents who would wear the new shoes by the German company. Alongside Eliesse was Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, among other top talents. This gesture showed that Messi appreciates Eliesse not only as a footballer but also as a person.

What is Eliesse Ben Seghir Religion?

The personal faith of the Frano-Moroccan footballer is not explicitly confirmed, but the odds strongly suggest that he is a Muslim. This is due to Eliesse Ben Seghir’s Moroccan heritage and the religious demographics of both Morocco and the Moroccan-French community in France.

In Morocco, over 99% of the population identifies as Muslim, making it the predominant religion in his ancestral homeland. Similarly, among Moroccan-French people in France—where Eliesse was born—more than 98% practice Islam. Given these statistics and cultural influences, it is highly likely that Eliesse Ben Seghir follows the Islamic faith.

EndNote:

“Choosing to play for the Moroccan national team was an easy decision for me. Every time I wear the national jersey, I think of my father. This gives me greater motivation and enthusiasm,” said Eliesse Ben Seghir, echoing the passion shared by Moroccan talents like Brahim Diaz, Sofiane Rahimi, and Azzedine Ounahi.

Born in Gassin, France, on February 16, 2005, the young talent’s roots trace back to Tinghir, a town in southeastern Morocco. He grew up in a Moroccan-French household with his parents and his older brother, Salim Ben Seghir, who plays for Marseille. Reflecting on their bond, he once said, “It’s a dream to play against him one day, though we’ve been competing since we were kids.”

Eliesse’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, he lost his father to COVID-19, a devastating moment that forced him to pause his football career temporarily. Seeking solace, he travelled to Tunisia, where he followed a rigorous training program and returned to the field stronger after a two-month break.

His father’s influence runs deep in his football story. He passed on a love for the game early on, gifting Eliesse his first football jersey—a Manchester United shirt—when he was just four years old. The passion ignited then continues to fuel his career, inspiring him to honour his heritage and family legacy with every step he takes on the field.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read Eliesse Ben Seghir’s story—a fast-rising footballer whose journey is guided by memories and fueled by the loss of his late father. We strive to provide accurate and fair stories about Atlas Lions stars, just as we’ve done for players like Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui.

If you notice anything that seems incorrect in this article about the rising left-winger from the Moroccan village of Azgour, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We’d also love to hear your opinion about Eliesse Ben Seghir, his remarkable career, and the story we’ve shared about him.