The year 2025 has been a breakout year for Othmane Maamma, the 20-year-old right winger transferred from Montpellier to Watford in July. It all began in October with the U20 World Cup in Chile: Morocco won its first world title in a FIFA category by defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final. Maamma, the creative leader of the team, scored 1 goal and provided 4 assists (the tournament’s top assist provider). He was named the best player of the World Cup (Golden Ball), ahead of his compatriot Yassir Zabiri (Silver Ball and co-top scorer with 5 goals). This collective and individual performance crowns a golden generation of Moroccan football.
A few weeks later, in November, Maamma was awarded the Best Young African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025, surpassing Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax) and Tylon Smith (QPR). This recognition is a logical outcome for someone who embodies the renewal of Moroccan football.
At the club level, at Watford in the Championship, Maamma quickly adapts to the English pace. His first goal comes in early December against Birmingham City. Then, on December 13 against Wrexham (a 2-2 away draw), he shines in the first half: providing an assist in the 30th minute for Mamadou Doumbia’s equalizer, followed by a personal goal in the 42nd minute to give the Hornets the lead.
In just 490 minutes of play since his arrival (spread over several matches, often coming off the bench or as a recent starter), Maamma boasts an impressive record: 2 goals and 1 assist. With his speed, dribbling, and game vision, he is gradually establishing himself as a major asset for Watford and promises a bright future with the senior Lions of the Atlas. 2025 has been the year of recognition for this gem!
