A forward, Ibrahim Rabbaj, who comes from Chelsea’s academy, is currently making a lot of headlines across the Channel. The renowned British media outlet BBC published a lengthy article titled “Who is Chelsea youngster Rabbaj?” At just 16 years old, his impressive performances have already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi.
The figures circulating on social media are striking: 50 goals and 60 assists in 42 matches across various categories of the Blues’ academy. However, these statistics remain difficult to verify, especially since they could include reduced matches or unofficial games.
What is certain, however, is that Rabbaj has already proven his worth by playing above his age level. Last month, in his first start in the U18 Premier League, he scored a brace in just 23 minutes against Leicester.
With such potential, it’s no surprise that the English and Moroccan national teams have vied for his services. After being called up by the youth teams of both nations up to U17, Rabbaj ultimately chose Morocco. This decision was influenced by several visits to the Moroccan Football Federation’s training center in Casablanca, where an ambitious project was presented to him: to become a key player for the Atlas Lions with a view to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
His case is reminiscent of Hakim Ziyech and Brahim Diaz, who respectively declined the national teams of the Netherlands and Spain to represent Morocco.
The son of Mohammed Rabbaj, a former player of Raja Casablanca, Ibrahim grew up in a football-loving family. After spending his childhood between Spain, England, and Morocco, the Rabbaj family ultimately decided to settle in Ashford, England, to maximize his chances of joining a great training center.
Spotted at a young age, he went through Arsenal and Charlton Athletic before joining Crystal Palace and then Chelsea at the age of 11. His rise has not been without obstacles: he faced a year without playing due to regulatory issues, and his small stature may have been a hindrance in some categories. But his technical talent has always prevailed.
Chelsea will have to wait until January 2026, when he turns 17, to offer him his first professional contract. Until then, Rabbaj will continue to progress in the club’s youth teams while preparing to wear the Moroccan jersey, especially in the upcoming Youth Africa Cup of Nations.
For many, Ibrahim Rabbaj’s destiny seems already charted: to reach the heights of world football.
