El Mehdi Benabid Wydad Casablanca Scouting Report
El Mehdi Benabid
Quick Answer
Benabid is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in Wydad’s squad, holding down the number-one spot since arriving from AS FAR in January 2025. At 1.88m he offers a solid physical base for commanding the box. Reported interest from Saudi Arabia shows his profile is recognised beyond the league.
Player Info Card
| Full name | El Mehdi Benabid |
| Date of birth | 24 January 1998 |
| Age | 28 |
| Place of birth | Morocco |
| Nationality | Morocco |
| Main position | Goalkeeper |
| Shirt number | 16 |
| Current club | Wydad Casablanca (since January 2025) |
| Contract status | 30 June 2027 |
Career History
| Period | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| June 2018 | FUS Rabat | Rose to the first team from FUS Rabat’s academy |
| July 2023 | AS FAR | Transferred from FUS Rabat to AS FAR |
| January 2025 | Wydad Casablanca | Transferred from AS FAR to Wydad, took over as first-choice keeper |
El Mehdi Benabid began his career in FUS Rabat’s academy, moved to AS FAR in 2023, and joined Wydad Casablanca in January 2025. The 28-year-old, 1.88m keeper is currently the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, with a contract running to 30 June 2027.
Playing Style and Assessment
Having played for rival big clubs like AS FAR and FUS Rabat shows he can adapt to different tactical systems. At 1.88m he offers a useful physical profile for aerial dominance and commanding his line. Reported interest from the Saudi Pro League suggests his form is being tracked outside the country.
Strengths
- Big-club experience — Time at AS FAR and FUS Rabat shows familiarity with Botola Pro’s highest-pressure environments.
- Physical height — At 1.88m he has an edge in aerial duels and commanding his box.
- Job security within the squad — Uninterrupted number-one status since 2025 reflects the coaching staff’s trust in him.
- Regional market interest — Reported interest from Saudi Arabia shows his profile is noticed outside the league.
Areas for Development
- Limited advanced data — Metrics such as PSxG comparisons are not widely tracked in Botola Pro.
- Age window — At 28, he fits better as the squad’s present-day guarantee than a long-term project.
Level Within Botola Pro
Verdict: An experienced, reliable first-team goalkeeper at the biggest club in Botola Pro.
Sporting Director’s Note
| Current level | Competitive for the Botola Pro first team |
| Primary role | Goalkeeper |
| Transfer cost | Insufficient data |
| Main strength | Big-club experience |
| Main risk | Limited advanced data |
| Scouting verdict | Live monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is El Mehdi Benabid? A 28-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper in Wydad Casablanca’s 2026-27 squad and the club’s number one.
When does El Mehdi Benabid’s contract expire? 30 June 2027, at Wydad Casablanca.
Sources and Methodology
This report was compiled by cross-referencing Transfermarkt, publicly available club and league records, Wikipedia, and accessible football data platforms. Tactical commentary and level projections reflect GegenSports editorial analysis. Because official statistical coverage in Botola Pro is more limited than in major European leagues, some advanced metrics are unavailable — this is stated explicitly in the text rather than estimated.
- Transfermarkt — Wydad Casablanca squad page (verein/6603, current 2026-27 squad, detailed table)
- AfricaSoccer — report on Saudi interest in Benabid
