Azedine Ounai has officially returned to Panathinaikos!
After an unprecedented… thriller and a season-long “delay,” the Greens announced the Moroccan’s grand return, as he signed a contract through 2030!
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The 27-year-old soccer player is now officially the most expensive signing in the history of "clover," a deal bearing the signature of Yiannis Alafouzos, who went above and beyond financially, as well as that of Stefanos Kotsolis, who, through masterful negotiations, secured a deal with Girona!
The announcement:
“Panathinaikos FC announces the signing of Azedine Ounai. The 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder, a fan favorite in the ‘green’ stands, has returned to Panathinaikos via a transfer from the Spanish club Girona, has signed a four-year contract, and is set to further strengthen the team in its ongoing quest to reach the top.
Azeddine Ounai was born on April 19, 2000, in Casablanca. He took his first steps in soccer at Raja Casablanca, trained at the renowned Mohammed VI Academy, and in 2018 moved to France to play for Strasbourg. Two years later, he continued his career at Avranches, and in the summer of 2021—by which time he had begun to make a name for himself—he made the leap to France’s top division, signing with Angers. In his Ligue 1 debut against Lyon, he found the back of the net, kicking off a two-year stretch during which he established himself at the highest level of French soccer.
His outstanding performances at the 2022 World Cup attracted the interest of major European clubs, and in January 2023, he was signed by Marseille. He scored on his debut against Nantes, and the following season (2023–24) played a leading role in Marseille’s run to the Europa League semifinals.
In September 2024, he was acquired by Panathinaikos on a one-year loan and very quickly won over the Greens’ fans; and he, in turn, grew to love the Shamrock. He made 37 appearances, scored five spectacular goals, provided seven assists, and delivered more than a few moments of soccer magic.
Despite Panathinaikos’ efforts in the summer of 2025, it was not possible for him to continue wearing the green jersey. He transferred to Girona, where he also excelled, putting in outstanding performances in La Liga as well. A year later, however, Panathinaikos and Ounai reunited, as this relationship was more than just a simple professional contract. It was a relationship of the heart…
Ounaï’s time with the Moroccan national team is a special chapter in his career. He made his debut in early 2022, and just a few months later, he was a key member of the team that made history at the World Cup in Qatar. Ounai put in outstanding performances during the tournament and played a decisive role in Morocco’s impressive run to fourth place, the best finish ever achieved by an African country in a World Cup. Particularly in the Round of 16 match against Spain and the quarterfinal against Portugal, he was one of the key players in Morocco’s historic run.
Four years later, he was back at the world’s biggest soccer tournament. He was selected for Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad and once again made his mark. In the Round of 16, he scored the first two goals in a 3-0 victory over Canada, leading his country’s national team to the quarterfinals. He has played 55 times for Morocco, scoring 11 goals.
“We welcome Azzedine back to the Panathinaikos family.”
Welcome back to Athens, Azzedine
pic.twitter.com/vd2MZO7uM9
— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) September 2, 2026
*photo source: pao.gr
