U17 World Cup: 5 things to know about Ismail El Aoud, Mali's tormentor

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·19 November 2025

U17 World Cup: 5 things to know about Ismail El Aoud, Mali's tormentor

5 things to know about Ismail El Aoud, Mali's tormentor at the U17 World Cup

Ismail El Aoud/@FRMF

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Morocco can thank their young sensation Ismail El Aoud, one of the main architects behind their qualification for the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup.

Bagging a brace, the young winger was decisive in the 3-0 victory over Mali in the round of 16.

Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, he is eligible to represent both nations on the international stage.He joined Valencia during the last summer transfer window, after spells with UD Amistad de Zaragoza and SD Huesca.He plays for Valencia's U18 side and is expected to move up to the U19s in the near future.

He has contributed to 5 goals at this 20th edition of the U17 World Cup (4 goals and 1 assist).
With Morocco's U17 team, he has played 22 matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists.

As a reminder, the Lion Cubs will face Brazil in the quarter-finals, after the South Americans knocked out France on penalties (4-3) following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.