Youssef En-Nesyri is a world-class professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahçe and the Morocco national team. As of January 2026, he is widely regarded as one of the most prolific aerial threats in global football, famously known for his record-breaking leap and header against Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Following a storied career in Spain with Sevilla, where he won two UEFA Europa League titles, En-Nesyri moved to Istanbul in 2024 for a fee of €20 million. In the current 2025/26 season, he has continued his fine form, scoring 7 goals in his first 15 league matches and helping Morocco reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite intense transfer speculation linking him with a move to Juventus in January 2026, En-Nesyri has chosen to remain with Fenerbahçe to pursue the Turkish league title.
Current Status and 2026 Transfer Drama
The January 2026 transfer window has been dominated by headlines regarding En-Nesyri’s future.
The Juventus Negotiation Collapse
In late January 2026, Italian giants Juventus reached a total agreement with Fenerbahçe for a loan deal worth €4 million with a €19 million buy option. However, on January 25, the deal officially collapsed after En-Nesyri expressed doubts about the temporary nature of the move. Juventus Director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed that the “Old Lady” would not pursue a permanent deal, leaving the striker to continue his campaign in Turkey.
Interest from Sevilla and Beyond
Following the Juventus breakdown, reports have surfaced indicating a potential “romantic return” to Sevilla FC. The Spanish club is reportedly keen to bring back their former talisman, who scored 73 goals for them over four seasons. While English Premier League side Everton also registered interest, En-Nesyri appears settled in Istanbul for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Career at Fenerbahçe: The Turkish Chapter
Since joining in July 2024, En-Nesyri has become the focal point of the Istanbul club’s attack.
Scoring Prowess in the Super Lig
In the 2025/26 season, En-Nesyri has established himself as one of the most consistent scorers in Turkey. As of late January, he has netted 7 goals in 15 league appearances, maintaining a high xG (Expected Goals) of 8.42. His physical presence and ability to lead the line have made him a fan favorite at the Ülker Stadium.
Continental Campaigns
En-Nesyri has also been instrumental in Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Europa League journey. While his goal tally in Europe this season has been modest, his link-up play and aerial dominance have allowed teammates like Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Marco Asensio to flourish. He is expected to start in the crucial knockout phase matches scheduled for February 2026.
International Heroics: Morocco’s Leading Man
En-Nesyri’s international career is defined by historic milestones and unparalleled loyalty to the Atlas Lions.
The 2025 AFCON Journey
Morocco entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as favorites, with En-Nesyri leading the line. He played a pivotal role in their run to the final, notably surpassing Noureddine Naybet as the most-capped Moroccan in AFCON history with 21 appearances. Although Morocco narrowly lost the final to Senegal in January 2026, En-Nesyri’s leadership earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
The Legacy of the 2022 World Cup
No biography of En-Nesyri is complete without mentioning his 2.78-meter leap against Portugal in Qatar. This goal made Morocco the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. In 2026, he remains the undisputed starting striker for Walid Regragui’s side as they begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tactical Profile and Style of Play
What makes Youssef En-Nesyri one of the most difficult strikers to defend against in 2026?
Aerial Superiority
Standing at 188cm (6’2″), En-Nesyri possesses an extraordinary vertical leap that defies physics. His ability to hang in the air allows him to win duels against much taller defenders, making him the primary target for crosses and set pieces. In the current season, over 40% of his goals have come from headers.
Work Rate and Pressing
Unlike many traditional “poachers,” En-Nesyri is a tireless worker. He frequently drops deep to assist in defensive transitions and is known for his aggressive pressing of opposition center-backs. This defensive contribution is highly valued by his coaches, often resulting in him winning possession in the final third to spark counter-attacks.
Practical Information and 2026 Calendar
For fans following En-Nesyri’s career and Fenerbahçe’s fixtures in 2026.
- Current Club: Fenerbahçe (Number 19)
- Contract Expiry: June 30, 2029
- Market Value: Approximately €14M – €18M
- Next Match: UEFA Europa League vs. FCSB (Jan 29, 2026)
- Position: Center-Forward (ST)
- Preferred Foot: Left
The Mohammed VI Academy: Building a Legend
En-Nesyri did not become a world-class striker by accident; he is the most famous graduate of a state-level strategy to modernize Moroccan football.
The Vision of King Mohammed VI
Established in 2010 in Salé, the Mohammed VI Football Academy was designed to produce elite players through a “ruthless but purposeful” selection process. Out of over 15,000 children scouted nationwide, En-Nesyri was among the handful selected. The academy provided more than just training; it offered a full educational curriculum and a disciplined lifestyle that shaped En-Nesyri’s professional “warrior” mindset.
The “AMF Brand” of Talent
Graduates of the academy are known for the “AMF Brand”—defined by technical precision under pressure and a humble work ethic. En-Nesyri, described by his early coaches as “raw and fast,” underwent intensive athletic development here to harness his 1.88m frame. Today, he is part of a dominant generation of graduates that includes Nayef Aguerd and Azzedine Ounahi, who form the backbone of the Atlas Lions.
Statistical Deep Dive: En-Nesyri vs. The Elite
In the 2025/26 season, En-Nesyri’s data reveals a player who is not just a target man, but a high-volume attacking engine.
Shot Volume and Expected Goals (xG)
As of January 27, 2026, En-Nesyri has an Expected Goals (xG) of 8.42 in the Turkish Super Lig, having scored 7 times. This slightly lower conversion rate is actually a positive indicator of his movement; he consistently places himself in high-value scoring positions, averaging 3.6 shots per 90 minutes. This volume puts him in the top 10% of strikers in Europe’s peripheral top leagues.
The 2026 Road Map: What’s Next?
With the January transfer window closing, En-Nesyri’s path for the rest of 2026 is clearly defined.
Pursuing the Turkish Title
Under the management of José Mourinho, En-Nesyri is the designated “number nine” tasked with bringing the Super Lig trophy back to Fenerbahçe. His partnership with Edin Džeko provides the team with a dual-threat strike force that is currently the most feared in Turkey.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Following the conclusion of the club season, En-Nesyri will pivot to international duty. Morocco’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is his top priority. Having scored in both the 2018 and 2022 editions, En-Nesyri is aiming to become the first Moroccan player to score in three consecutive World Cups.
FAQs
What was En-Nesyri’s first professional club in Europe?
He joined Málaga CF in 2015 from the Mohammed VI Academy for a modest fee of €125,000.
How high can En-Nesyri jump?
His record jump of 2.78 meters against Portugal is one of the highest ever recorded in a professional match, surpassing even some of Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous leaps.
What is his contract status in 2026?
He is under contract with Fenerbahçe until June 2029, ensuring the club has significant leverage in any future transfer negotiations.
Has he ever played in the English Premier League?
No, despite numerous offers from clubs like West Ham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest, he has consistently preferred playing in Spain or Turkey.
What is En-Nesyri’s goal-scoring record for Morocco?
As of early 2026, he has earned over 70 caps and remains one of the top five all-time leading scorers for his country.
Is he left or right-footed?
En-Nesyri is primarily left-footed, though a significant portion of his goals are scored with his head.
What is his jersey number at Fenerbahçe?
He wears the number 19, the same number he wore during his successful stints at Sevilla and for the Morocco national team.
Did he win any awards at the 2025 AFCON?
Yes, he was named to the CAF Team of the Tournament for his leadership and goal contributions during Morocco’s run to the final.
Who is his agent in 2026?
He is represented by 11MANGMT, an agency that handles several top African and European players.
What is his current market value?
His market value is estimated at €14.1M, though Fenerbahçe rejected bids in the region of €20M during the 2026 January window.
Which club does Youssef En-Nesyri play for in 2026?
He currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Super Lig, having joined from Sevilla in 2024.
Why did En-Nesyri’s transfer to Juventus fail?
The deal collapsed in January 2026 because the player had doubts about the loan structure and preferred a permanent move or staying at Fenerbahçe.
How many goals has he scored this season?
As of January 27, 2026, he has scored 7 goals in 15 Turkish Super Lig matches.
What is En-Nesyri’s famous jumping record?
He famously reached a height of 2.78 meters to score a header against Portugal in the 2022 World Cup.
Is he the highest-scoring Moroccan in La Liga history?
Yes, during his time in Spain, he became the top-scoring Moroccan player in La Liga, surpassing the legendary Larbi Benbarek.
How old is Youssef En-Nesyri?
He is 28 years old (Born June 1, 1997).
What trophies has he won?
His honors include two UEFA Europa League titles (2019/20, 2022/23) with Sevilla and the Turkish Super Cup (2025) with Fenerbahçe.
Can he play as a winger?
While primarily a center-forward, he occasionally operated on the wings early in his career at Málaga and Leganés due to his pace.
What is his market value in 2026?
His current value is estimated at €14.1 million, though his release clause and importance to Fenerbahçe suggest a higher acquisition cost.
Will he play in the 2026 World Cup?
Barring injury, he is expected to be Morocco’s lead striker for the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in North America.
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