Bilal El Khannous is one of the brightest young midfielders to emerge from Belgium in recent years, and he’s already making waves across Europe with his sharp technique, intelligent playmaking, and mature decision-making well beyond his age. Representing Morocco on the j88vip1 international stage but raised and developed in Belgium, El Khannous combines European tactical discipline with North African flair—making him a unique and exciting talent in the heart of the pitch.
Early Life and Football Journey
Born on May 10, 2004, in Strombeek-Bever, Belgium, to Moroccan parents, El Khannous began his football education at Anderlecht’s famed youth academy. He later made a pivotal switch to Genk, a club known for nurturing talents such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois.
El Khannous steadily rose through Genk’s youth ranks, and by the 2021–22 season, he was promoted to the senior team. He made his professional debut at just 17 years old, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his composure on the ball, vision, and creativity.
Rising Star at Genk
By the 2022–23 season, El Khannous was a regular starter for KRC Genk, orchestrating play from midfield and dictating tempo in the Belgian Pro League. Despite his youth, he played like a seasoned conductor, seamlessly connecting defense to attack, and rarely losing possession. His intelligence in tight spaces and ability to break lines with passes caught the eye of scouts and analysts across Europe.
In the 2023–24 season, he took his game to the next level, contributing both defensively and offensively. Though not an out-and-out attacking midfielder, his ability to find the final pass and create scoring chances became a vital asset for Genk.
By mid-2025, El Khannous had recorded:
- Total Club Appearances (Genk): 90+
- Total Goals: 5
- Total Assists: 15
These numbers highlight not only his productivity but also his growing responsibility within Genk’s midfield engine room. He is often the player who initiates attacking moves, linking up with forwards and controlling possession under pressure.
International Career with Morocco
El Khannous chose to represent Morocco despite being eligible for Belgium, and his commitment to the Atlas Lions was rewarded early. He made his senior debut for Morocco in 2022 at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming one of the youngest players in the tournament.
Although he didn’t play a major role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals, the experience was invaluable. Since then, he has become a regular in the Moroccan national team, praised by coaches for his discipline, ball control, and tactical intelligence.
His blend of European training and Moroccan passion gives him a unique edge—he can operate in high-pressure matches with calm precision while also delivering the kind of unpredictable moments that can unlock stubborn defenses.
Style of Play
El Khannous is best described as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder. His passing range, spatial awareness, and timing of runs make him a conductor in midfield. He’s not afraid to drop deep and collect the ball from defenders, but he also pushes forward with quick one-twos and smart positioning.
Despite his modest goal tally, his chance creation, press resistance, and work rate have made him a key component of both club and country setups. Comparisons to players like Marco Verratti and Thiago Alcântara are not far-fetched given his technical elegance and game intelligence.
What Lies Ahead
With interest from top European clubs in England, Spain, and Germany, a big move for El Khannous seems inevitable. Genk has already placed a high valuation on him, knowing he could be the next jewel in their long line of successful exports.
At just 21 years old, Bilal El Khannous is already showing he belongs on the biggest stages. With his current trajectory, he could soon be a central figure at a Champions League club—and a midfield mainstay for Morocco heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Conclusion
Bilal El Khannous is not just a promising youngster—he is the real deal. A modern midfielder with vision, discipline, and flair, he has the tools to shape games at the highest level. Whether in Belgium or beyond, his star is only rising.
