Solicited by numerous European clubs, Abdelhamid has given his preference to Stade Rennais F.C., renowned for its expertise in developing young talents. Moroccan talent is abundant in him. Fast, powerful, excellent at initiating attacks, tough in defense, and decisive on set pieces, he possesses numerous qualities.
Born in Marrakech in the 2006 generation, Abdelhamid honed his skills for eight years at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, where he notably won the U19 Moroccan Championship in 2023. As captain of the Moroccan U17 national team, he reached the final of the CAN in the same year, scoring a powerful header and earning a spot in the tournament's Best XI.
Abdelhamid follows in the footsteps of renowned players developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy. Among the graduates are Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri, Marseille's Azzedine Ounahi, and former Stade Rennais player Nayef Aguerd, currently with West Ham.
Proof of his immense potential, he was listed among the top 60 prospects in world football (The Guardian, 2023).
J’ai foncé sur cette opportunité de signer dans un club de tel calibre, en Ligue 1, reconnu pour faire jouer les jeunes joueurs. Mon objectif est évidemment d’évoluer à terme avec l’équipe professionnelle.
RÉACTIONS
Olivier Cloarec, President and CEO:
"Abdelhamid is one of the greatest talents of his generation; he was followed and courted by numerous top European clubs. It took considerable effort to secure his arrival in Rennes. As we have always done with our young players, and leveraging our experience in training and development, the club and staff will ensure he is in the best possible position to establish himself in our colors. We extend our gratitude to the Mohammed VI Academy with whom SRFC maintains excellent relations."
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal's first reaction:
"I am very happy to join Stade Rennais F.C. I jumped at the opportunity to sign with such a prestigious club in Ligue 1, known for giving young players a chance. My goal is obviously to eventually play with the first team. I did my research about the club and I already knew the club because I followed Nayef Aguerd and Mohamed Jaouab here. Nayef has truly been an inspiration, as have players like Rüdiger and Ramos at the international level. My strengths? Heading, long passing, and I'm not afraid of challenges. I am grateful to be in Rennes and ready to work hard. I want to thank everyone at the Mohammed VI Academy who supported me over the years, helping me reach this point where I can now explore European football."
