Real Madrid in race with Barcelona to sign ‘Moroccan Messi’ | OneFootball

According to an update from SPORT, it has come to light that Real Madrid and Barcelona have set their sights on one of the most exciting young attacking prospects currently developing in England.

The player attracting growing attention is Ibrahim Rabbaj, the highly-rated Chelsea academy talent already being labelled by many as the “Moroccan Messi” because of his technical quality, dribbling style and creativity in tight spaces.

Still only 17 years old, Rabbaj is beginning to generate serious excitement across Europe after a string of impressive performances in youth football.

Who is Ibrahim Rabbaj?

Born in England but representing Morocco internationally at the youth level, Rabbaj has established himself as one of the standout attacking talents within Chelsea’s academy.

The teenager joined the Premier League club from Crystal Palace in 2021 and has developed rapidly since arriving in London. 

Ibrahim Rabbaj is wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Picture credit: Instagram/@rabbaj.10)

Notably, earlier this year, Chelsea moved to secure his future by extending his contract until 2028.

Rabbaj is capable of operating on either wing and has built a reputation for his sharp movements, quick decision-making and ability to create danger in crowded attacking areas. 

This season, the youngster has continued progressing strongly at youth level. 

Playing mainly for Chelsea’s Under-18 side, he has registered five goals and six assists in 20 appearances across competitions while also impressing in England’s Under-21 environment.

And those performances have not gone unnoticed in Spain.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona transfer war?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chelsea FC Academy (@chelseafcacademy)

Reports suggest both Real Madrid and Barcelona have begun monitoring his development closely ahead of a possible future approach. 

However, because of his age and contractual situation, any serious movement is more likely to happen from January 2027 onwards, when he turns 18.

Chelsea, however, are unlikely to make things easy, as the London side has invested heavily in the player’s development and still view him as one of the jewels of their academy structure. 

His contract renewal earlier this year was designed partly to protect the club from exactly this type of interest.

Even so, whenever Real Madrid begin circling around the teenage talent, attention inevitably grows louder.