How Soufiane Rahimi became the most prolific goalscorer in Olympic football history
In short: Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi has redefined international tournament dominance. From leading Al Ain to continental glory to shattering long-standing Olympic scoring records, Rahimi has emerged as a clinical force. His ability to find the net across every stage of a single Olympic tournament remains an unprecedented feat in modern football.
Born in Casablanca in 1996, Soufiane Rahimi began his professional journey at Raja CA before rising to prominence as a key figure for the UAE Pro League side Al Ain. His impact at the club level has been profound, highlighted by a historic 2023–24 AFC Champions League campaign. During this tournament, Rahimi finished as the top scorer with 13 goals, including a decisive hat-trick against Al Hilal SFC that ended their 34-game winning streak. His performances culminated in Al Ain securing the title, with Rahimi earning both the Most Valuable Player and top scorer awards.
On the international stage, Rahimi has consistently delivered under pressure. His breakout performance came at the 2020 African Nations Championship, where he scored five goals to lead Morocco to a back-to-back title victory, earning him both the best player and top scorer honors. However, his most historic achievement occurred at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Selected as an overage player, Rahimi scored eight goals across six appearances, becoming the first player in history to score in every game of a single Olympic tournament. This tally surpassed Ahmed Faras, establishing Rahimi as the all-time top Moroccan goalscorer in Olympic history.
Rahimi’s versatility and consistency have made him a focal point for the Moroccan national team. Beyond his Olympic success, he has contributed to Morocco's campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against Haiti and Canada. His recognition as the 2024 IFFHS World's Best International Goal Scorer and his nomination for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year underscore his status as one of the most effective forwards in the game today. As he continues to compete at the highest levels, his trajectory remains a testament to his clinical finishing and tactical adaptability.
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