To the casual football fan, Sofyan Amrabat might just seem like another defensive midfielder from Morocco. But there’s much more to his story than meets the eye. Picture this: a young boy who grew up nurturing dreams on the football pitch, only to find himself, years later in 2022, seeking redemption against Spain for a painful episode from the 2018 World Cup. On that fateful day of reckoning, Amrabat was so driven that he couldn’t sleep, staying awake until 3:00 a.m. in Qatar, fueled by a fierce determination to set things right.
This article unfolds the remarkable journey of Sofyan Amrabat, a footballer hailing from a modest Moroccan family. His story is not just about his skills on the pitch but also about following in the footsteps of his older brother, Nordin. Nordin’s path was marked by hard work and sacrifice, taking on roles like washing dishes, making desserts, and vacuum cleaning just to make ends meet and support his family. Sofyan’s rise to prominence reflects not only his talent but also the resilience and dedication that runs through his family.
Vengeful Rise from a Modest Moroccan Background: Sofyan Amrabat’s Story
Our biography of Sofyan Amrabat delves into his childhood and early life, offering insights into his family background, including his father, Mohammed, his mother, and his close-knit family. It highlights his brother Nordin, who played a pivotal role in supporting their family, as well as his uncle Nasser and cousin Elias, all of whom have been significant in Sofyan’s journey. The article also covers details about his girlfriend or wife-to-be. Additionally, we explore Sofyan’s Moroccan heritage, ethnicity, education, religion, hometown, and his distinct personality and lifestyle.
Preamble:
We kick off Sofyan Amrabat’s biography by diving into his formative years and early life. From there, we’ll guide you through the beginnings of his career as the Atlas Lion’s defensive midfielder. Finally, we’ll reveal how this Moroccan star made his mark in the world of football.
Our aim is to spark your interest and keep you engaged as you explore Sofyan Amrabat’s story. So, let’s start this journey by showcasing the life of the footballer affectionately known as “The King.” Sofyan’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his story is one of remarkable progress and achievement.
Sofyan Amrabat Biography – From his Early Years to the moment he achieved Fame.
Yes, it’s well known that Sofyan Amrabat has been a steadfast midfield presence for the Moroccan national team. His performance as the Atlas Lions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup was nothing short of phenomenal, marking a historic achievement for Moroccan football.
In our exploration of Moroccan footballers’ histories, we discovered that detailed accounts of Sofyan Amrabat’s life are surprisingly scarce. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive biography. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the story of Sofyan Amrabat.
Sofyan Amrabat Childhood Story:
To start off his biography, Sofyan Amrabat, affectionately known as “The King,” was born on August 21, 1996, in Huizen, Netherlands. He is the son of Mohammed Amrabat and a mother whose name is less widely known.
The Moroccan professional footballer arrived at the world as one among other children born to the union between Mohammed and his wife. Now, let’s introduce you to one of Sofyan Amrabat’s Parents. Mohammed wasn’t opportune to give his sons the upbringing of a rich father.
A photo of one of Sofyan Amrabat’s Parents, his Dad (Mohammed).
Growing-Up:
Sofyan Amrabat spent his childhood years notably alongside his brother, Nordin. Popularly known as Noureddine, he (born on the 31st of March 1987) is nine years older than Sofyan. The children born to Mohammed Amrabat spent their early years in Huizen, Netherlands.
We found it difficult to spot Sofyan Amrabat in this photo. Can you help us do that?
Due to the close resemblance between Sofyan and Nordin, many fans suggest that they are twin brothers. It is pertinent to state that the Amrabat brothers (who look very much alike) are not twins. Nordin is not just an older brother to Sofyan but a role model and also a professional footballer.
Can you identify the subject matter of this Biography in this photo?
Sofyan Amrabat Early Years:
Nordin took on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, Sofyan, during their early years. Meanwhile, their brother Noureddine, who was passionate about football, made it a point to pass on his love for the sport to Sofyan. Growing up in a Dutch footballing environment, the brothers honed their talents and shared a deep connection to the game.
Living in Huizen (in the Netherlands), Sofyan Amrabat’s parents approved their sons to play football as a sport that’ll keep them busy rather than being on the streets.
Noureddine was the one who led the way. Sofyan took him as a role model and followed in his footsteps.
Just like Nordin Amrabat did, his little brother took his first steps at HSV De Zuidvogels. This is their neighbourhood team located on the outskirts of Utrecht.
Sofyan Amrabat joined this team with great hopes of being like his big brother. At that time, Nordin had joined Ajax’s academy.
The early career years of Sofyan Amrabat. Here, he wore the colours of HSV De Zuidvogels, his first club.
Sofyan Amrabat Family Background:
Mohammed, the father of the Atlas Lions’ Defensive midfielder, operated a below-middle-class household.
Sofyan Amrabat’s parents constantly needed extra income to sustain family members. And the pressure to support his Dad and Mum was more on Noureddine Amrabat, Sofyan’s older brother.
Despite pushing himself hard with his club, SV Huizen, Nordin was forced to work part-time to earn money and support his parents.
Sofyan Amrabat’s brother worked as a cleaner in a school. He also washed dishes and made desserts so he could support his Dad with family expenses.
Sofyan Amrabat Family Origin:
The fabled utility footballer has two nationalities – Morocco and the Netherlands. Research shows that the birthplace of Sofyans’ Dad, Mohamed Amrabat, is Morocco – the roundabout of Idaween. He grew up there and had his elementary school in the region before his eventual migrating to the Netherlands.
From a Morrocan standpoint, Sofyan Amrabat’s family have their origins in the area of Lassara. Their roots are in the community of Imhajar Al-Qusayya, which is approximately 8 km from the city of Bin Al-Tayeb.
Put simply, Sofyan Amrabat’s origin is a few kilometres from Ben Taieb, a town of around 60,000 people in the Driouch Province of Morocco. Here is a map that portrays a City landmark which is close to Sofyan Amrabat’s Morrocan origins
This map portrays Ben Taieb. Research has it that this Morrocan city is a few kilometres from the community of Imhajar Al-Qusayy.
Ethnicity:
Sofyan Amrabat is a Dutch-Moroccan as well as a Moroccan-Dutch. He joins around 414,186 persons (based on the Dutch 2021 census), or 2.4% of Dutch citizens, who have Morrocan ancestry. Noussair Mazraoui and Hakim Ziyech are the most famous footballers who fall under this group.
Sofyan Amrabat Education:
While the exact school he attended is yet to be available, however, our findings suggest that the Sofyan family adores going to school. Nordin Amrabat, his brother, once had plans to study Economics, Management, and Law.
Sofyan Amrabat Biography – Football Story:
After spending years honing his skills at HSV De Zuidvogels, the youngster (in 2007) was ready to take up a challenge at a more competitive academy. A year before that, Sofyan (in 2006) underwent a trial test with Utrecht Club, which he passed with flying colours.
Sofyan Amrabat impressed everyone and succeeded with excellence, beginning from his first year with Utrecht. The Rising Midfielder reached, seven years after progressing with the club’s youth ranks, signed his first professional contract in 2014.
As expected, Noureddine (Sofyan Amrabat’s Brother) was a guest during his academy graduation day and contract signing ceremony. He became a professional footballer at the age of 17 and found himself in an Utrecht team that had star names like Sebastien Haller.
From the beginning of his senior career, Sofyan began to show his new brand – that exceptional physical toughness. As many said, his playing strength was similar to his brother, Noureddine, except for their playing positions.
Road to Fame Story:
The youngster from Huizen succeeded in playing three seasons with Utrecht. In the 2016 / 2017 season (his best), Sofyan attracted the interest of Dutch giants Feyenoord, who signed him for €4m. One of the reasons for joining Feyenoord was to win a trophy, which he did.
At the time he joined the Dutch giants, Tyrell Malacia (LB), Steven Berghuis and Robin van Persie had just been recruited into the senior team. Also, at that time, Amrabat was being pressured to join the Netherlands national team under of command of Dick Advocaat.
Despite playing for the youth level of the Dutch national team, he refused to accept playing for his birth country. Sofyan Amrabat changed his destination after a summon from his ancestral country, Morocco. He was called to come to participate in the U-17 World Cup.
Even though he has played his allegiance to Morocco, the Dutch national team Manager did not give up. Dick Advocaat requested a private session with Sofyan Amrabat, promising him a 2018 FIFA World Cup opportunity if he helps the country qualify for the tournament.
Truth be told, Fate was so merciful to Sofyan Amrabat, who was lucky to stay with Morocco simply because the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Sofiane (instead of his brother Noureddine Amrabat) became a substitute in the match against Iran. By doing that, history was made as he became the first player to share his brother’s place during a FIFA World Cup.
Post-2018 FIFA World Cup:
Because competition for positions was fierce with Feyenoord, Amrabat had difficulty fixating himself in the starting line-up. Although he took his chances whenever he was called by coach Van Brockhost, the youngster (at 20) felt he needed to find play for another club.
One of the trophies won by the Morrocan Midfielder before he departed Feyenoord.
Sofyan Amrabat won three trophies – KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield (twice) before deciding to leave Feyenoord. The Atlas Lion Midfielder found a new experience with Club Brugge, a club he felt would pave his way to join a large European team in one of the top five leagues.
Initially sent on loan to Hellas Verona, Sofyan Amrabat returned to Club Brugge after the departure of Arnaut Danjuma to Bournemouth. He played alongside Charles De Ketelaere (AM), Loïs Openda (CF), and Emmanuel Dennis, among others, who were key to the club’s victory in the Belgian First Division.
Sofyan Amrabat Bio – Rise to Fame:
In January 2020, the Midfielder actualized his dreams of joining a club in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Sofyan joined Fiorentina as a key element of their rebuild after they sold Giovanni Simeone, Pedro Guilherme, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Federico Chiesa, etc.
While playing for the Viola, the footballer with parents of Moroccan descent helped his native country qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Sofyan Amrabat developed one mission in Qatar: to inflict harm on Spain for what happened to him and his brother in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In case you didn’t know, Morocco (before the 2022 FIFA World Cup) last confronted Spain in the group stage. In that match, the Atlas Lion advanced with two goals to one (thanks to a Youssef En-Nesyri 88-minute strike) until a tragedy struck.
Iago Aspas equalized for Spain, and the referee cancelled the goal, saying it was offside. Shockingly, VAR Referees said otherwise and allowed the Aspas goal to get counted. Sofyan Amrabat’s Brother (Noureddine) bitterly shed his anger on the Video Referee after it made Morocco exit the World Cup.
The Revenge on Spain:
Following his brothers’ retirement from International football, Sofyan remained the only Amrabat brother left with the Atlas Lion. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Defensive Midfielder got the opportunity to avenge his brother four years after that Spanish incident.
In the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco faced off against Spain. This is a Luis Enrique Spanish side that boasts of one of the strongest midfielders in the world – the combination of the Barcelona trio of Pedri (CM), Gavi (CM) and veteran Sergio Busquets.
Shockingly, Sufyan Amrabat suffered a back injury hours before facing Spain. He stayed awake until three o’clock in the morning, filling his mind on how to punish Spain and also waiting so he could do physical therapy.
In the end, the Moroccan team, led by the efforts of Achraf Hakimi, scored the deciding penalty goal that led the Atlas Lions to defeat Spain on shootouts. Watch the highlight of the Spain v Morroco match here.
For Sufyan Amrabat, the smell of blood against Spain was real, and vengeance was most importantly delivered. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Lifestyle:
When it comes to the way he lives, Sofyan Amrabat is known to have a strong family-centric personality. Away from what he does on the pitch, Sofyan spends lots of time with his brother, Nordin. Here, both brothers are pictured at Nikki Beach in Marrakech, a city in Morrocco.
When Sofyan and Nordin go out, fans find it hard to tell their difference.
Sibling relationships are fascinating, and it is clear that the DNA of Sofyan and Nordin is the same. The love is always there; sometimes, it is hard to imagine that the Amrabat brothers (who do things together like the Timber brothers) are not twins.
The look-alike Morrocan brothers are pictured relaxing under the sun.
Sofyan Amrabat Car:
From what it seems, the Atlas Lion Athlete is a huge fan of the red-coloured automobiles.
On the 25th of August 2020, Sofyan Amrabat showed this photo of himself in his car driving to Artemio Franchi Stadium. This is the football stadium used by ACF Fiorentina.
A sign of a humble character – He smiles as he greets fans on his way to the Artemio Franchi Stadium.
Sofyan Amrabat Family Facts:
While little or no documentation exists on his parents, we’ll tell you more about the most notable member of the Atlas Lion Stars’ household. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Nordin Amrabat:
To start with, he is the most notable of Sofyan’s brothers. He, born on the 31st day of March 1987, bears the full name Noureddine “Nordin” Amrabat.
Softan’s brother was born in Naarden, North Holland, where his family had previously resided.
At 13, Amrabat was released from the academy of Ajax. He once suffered stunted growth due to having Osgood Schlatter disease.
In his early years, Nordin Amrabat’s parents advised him to study for a different profession while playing at the amateur football level.
Following his father’s advice, he developed the mindset to study Management, Economics and Law. Nordin Amrabat supported his Mum and Dad financially before he made it as a footballer.
Our research has it that Sofyan Amrabat’s brother once made dessert, washed dishes and vacuum-cleaned his high school so he could earn money to support his family.
Sofyan Amrabat Relatives:
So far, only two of his extended family members are known. Nasser Amrabat is Sofyan’s uncle, while his cousin bears the name Elias Amrabat. Both relatives are proud of his achievements, and they make up part of his biggest Morrocan fanbase.
Untold Facts:
In the final phase of Sofyan Amrabat’s Biography, we’ll unveil facts you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Why he wears the Number 34 Shirt:
The secret to Sofyan Amrabat’s No.34 is because of his loyalty to a footballer of Arab origins known as “Nuri”. Abdelhak Nuri, nicknamed ‘Apple’, was an Ajax player who suffered a heart attack after falling t the ground during a friendly match against Werder Bremen in 2017.
Upon falling, Nuri suffered brain damage, and he entered into a coma that lasted for three years – until March 2020. When he woke up, he was still bedridden, and Sofiane, his close friend, did not forget him. This is the reason he wears the number 34 jersey with Fiorentina.
Sofyan Amrabat FIFA:
Since the departure of Yaya Toure, Africa has seen the rise of complete midfielders who are inspired by the Manchester City Legend. Sofyan is very similar to Cheick Doucouré and Thomas Partey, who are great utility payers. Do you know?… at 25, Amrabat lacks nothing below average on FIFA.
As noticed here, Ball Control, Balance and Composure are his most valuable assets.
Sofyan Amrabat Salary:
As of 2022, the contract he signed with Fiorentina sees him earning the sum of €1,922,949 per year. When converted into Morrocan dirhams, we have 21,400,264.
Comparing his earnings to that of the average Morrocan citizen:
In the country of Sofyan Amrabat’s Parents, the average citizen makes approximately 106,853 MAD annually. Do you know?… Such a Moroccan would need more than a lifetime (200 years) to make Amrabat’s yearly earnings with Fiorentina.
Sofyan Amrabat Religion:
The Athlete joins the likes of Mohamed Elneny, who are top North African Defensive Midfielders who identify themselves as Devout Muslims. Here, the Amrabat Brothers are pictured at Masjid al-Haram. This place of worship is known as the Great Mosque of Mecca.
Sofyan Amrabat is a devout Muslim.
EndNote:
The Morrocan footballer was born to Mohammed Amrabat, his Dad and a little-known Mum. Initially, his father, born in a North African county, did his elementary school in the region before migrating abroad – to the Netherlands.
Our findings reveal that Sofyan Amrabat’s family have their origins in the Morrocan area of Lassara. This place is situated in the community of Imhajar Al-Qusayya, which is approximately 8 km from the city of Bin Al-Tayeb.
Sofyan loved the beautiful game like his brother. The Midfielder who would go to shine in the 2022 FIFA World Cup grew up in a friendly football environment. Sofiane was imbued with the sporting prowess of his siblings, especially his big brother named Noureddine,
Big brother, Nordin Amrabat, supported him. Rather than see him live in the streets, he helped Sufyan enrol at HSV De Zuidvogels. This is one of the small clubs in their Dutch neighbourhood.
Nordin Amrabat ensured his little brother followed in his footsteps. Today, Sofiane (who achieved a semi-final in the 2022 FIFA World Cup) is one of the most important superstars in the Morrocan national team.
To this day, Sufyan often looks at his childhood with the most outstanding admiration for his big brother, a role model with whom he followed his path and who showed him the way.
Thanks to an impressive performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Premier League tears up Sofyan Amrabat.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our content on Sofyan Amrabat’s Biography. We strive for fairness, truthfulness and accuracy in our quest to deliver Morrocan Football Stories. Amrabat’s Bio is part of our wider collection of African Soccer Stories.
Please let us know (via comment) if you find any errors or omissions in this memoir about the Atlas Lion Defensive Midfielder. Also, give us your thoughts about the career of the utility man, including this impressive Bio we’ve written about him.
Aside from Sofyan Amrabat’s History, we’ve got other great stories of celebrities who have made their names with the Atlas Lions. Surely, the Life story of Medhi Benatia and Sofiane Boufal will excite you.
