Stade de Reims officially announced on Friday, August 21, the arrival of Chouaib Bellaarouch. The 18-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper, trained at the Mohammed VI Academy, has signed his first professional contract for one season, with an option for three additional years. He will initially join the Elite Group of Reims Révélations to continue his development.
While the first team of Reims is competing this season in Ligue 2 BKT, the young goalkeeper will begin his journey in Champagne within the structure designed to guide the best prospects into the professional world. This arrival also marks Bellaarouch’s first European experience, as he is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation in Morocco.
The Casablanca native particularly stood out during the 2025 U17 AFCON, won by the Atlas Lions. He was decisive in the penalty shootouts against Ivory Coast in the semifinals and then against Mali in the final, earning him the title of best goalkeeper of the tournament and man of the match in the final. He then participated in the U17 World Cup, where Morocco finished in the quarter-finals.
His year 2026 was also marked by two new trophies. After winning the U19 International Tournament with the Mohammed VI Academy, Bellaarouch contributed to Morocco U20’s victory in the 42nd edition of COTIF in L’Alcúdia, Spain. A starter in several matches, including the final, he helped the Lions achieve a victory against Mauritania (2-1) on July 30, just weeks before the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. His arrival in Reims now represents another important step in the development of the young Moroccan international.
