Jawad El Yamiq

Jawad El Yamiq is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. He currently turns out for Eyüpspor in the Turkish Super Lig and remains a regular in the Moroccan national team setup. Standing 1.93 meters tall and weighing approximately 79 kg, he is known for his aerial dominance, composure under pressure, and a physical presence that anchors the defensive line. His right-footed style and occasional deployment in midfield add to his versatility, making him a distinctive figure in modern football.

El Yamiq's career has taken him through Morocco, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and now Turkey, with each move contributing to his development as a seasoned defender. He rose to international prominence during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was part of the historic Moroccan squad that became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals. His performances in that tournament, including a near-goal bicycle kick against France, made him a household name among football fans worldwide.

As of mid-2026, he is 34 years old and continues to compete at a high level, balancing club duties with international commitments. His unique leap-year birthday adds to his distinctive profile, making him one of the few professional athletes born on February 29. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq was born on February 29, 1992, in Khouribga, a city in central Morocco known for its phosphate mining industry. Growing up there, he developed a passion for football at a young age, playing in the streets and local pitches. His height and natural athleticism made him stand out early, and he soon joined the youth system of Olympique Khouribga.

At Olympique Khouribga, El Yamiq honed his defensive skills. He learned to read the game, time his tackles, and dominate in the air. His performances in the Moroccan Botola Pro league caught the attention of Raja Casablanca, one of the country's most prestigious clubs, and he made the move in 2014.

His time at Raja Casablanca proved to be a springboard. Playing in continental competitions, he gained valuable experience against top African opposition. His consistent displays led to a transfer to Spain in 2015, joining Real Valladolid. The move to European football was a significant step, exposing him to higher tactical demands and faster play. Though his stint in La Liga was challenging, it provided the foundation for his later career.

After a brief spell with Genoa in Italy from 2017 to 2018, El Yamiq returned to North Africa and the Middle East, playing in Qatar before eventually landing back in Spain with Real Zaragoza in 2020. Each move added layers to his game, and by the time he earned his first cap for Morocco in 2017, he had established himself as a dependable, battle-tested defender. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq's breakthrough came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As a key member of Morocco's defense, he helped the Atlas Lions achieve a historic run to the semi-finals. In the quarter-final against Portugal, he was involved in a heated exchange with veteran defender Pepe, a moment that went viral and highlighted his willingness to stand his ground. In the semi-final against France, he produced a spectacular bicycle kick that forced a save from Hugo Lloris, showcasing his technical flair despite his defensive role.

Following the World Cup, El Yamiq continued his club career with moves to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 and later to Turkey. In early 2026, he made a brief return to Real Zaragoza, scoring a powerful header in his debut on February 27. That same year, he signed with Eyüpspor in the Turkish Super Lig, where he remains as of mid-2026. His experience and leadership have been valuable assets for the club, and his current contract runs until June 30, 2027.

Internationally, El Yamiq has been a consistent presence for Morocco since his debut in 2017. He represented the team at the 2018 African Nations Championship and has been part of the squad for multiple Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His ability to perform on the biggest stage has made him a reliable figure in the national setup, and he continues to prepare for upcoming qualifiers. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq is perceived as a no-nonsense, physical defender who lets his performances do the talking. His aerial ability and composure under pressure have made him a fan favorite at his clubs. On social media, he maintains a professional presence, posting match highlights and training clips. His viral moments from the 2022 World Cup, including the confrontation with Pepe and the bicycle kick, have endeared him to neutral fans who appreciate his competitive spirit and technical skill. Additionally, his occasional deployment in midfield showcases his versatility, further enhancing his reputation as a modern defender. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq does not currently hold a placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. The iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated his profile, yet he remains unranked among the world's most famous personalities as of August 2026. While he commands respect across football circles, his global fame metrics have not crossed the threshold required for an official ranking position. His audience is defined by sports fans and viewers of the Moroccan national team rather than a dedicated celebrity following. No formal fandom name exists for his supporters, and there are no documented organized campaigns, birthday billboards, or ritualistic gatherings specifically attached to his name. He is recognized primarily through his athletic output on the pitch. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, moments like his near-goal bicycle kick against Hugo Lloris and his physical confrontation with Pepe resonated with neutral observers who appreciate competitive spirit. These incidents cemented his reputation as a formidable defender but did not spawn a distinct sub-culture or fan movement. Media coverage often highlights his career trajectory, particularly his return to Real Zaragoza in early 2026, which was described as a wild comeback narrative. Journalists occasionally label him with humorous monikers like "Chump of the Week," reflecting skepticism mixed with curiosity about his immediate impact. Despite these viral flashes and professional achievements, his public identity remains rooted in performance rather than celebrity culture. Fans follow his matches and track his transfers without engaging in the chart-pushing behaviors seen with higher-ranked athletes. The lack of a named fanbase underscores that his influence is functional and regional, driven by the sport itself rather than a personality cult.[edit]

Born on February 29, 1992, Jawad El Yamiq celebrates his actual birth date only once every four years, marking him as one of the few professional footballers with a leap-year birthday. Standing at 1.93 meters, he utilizes his height and passing range to occasionally fill the midfield role, adding versatility to his defensive duties. His agent is listed as 11MANGMT, guiding his career moves across Morocco, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. In EA Sports FC 26, he carries an overall rating of 73, while Transfermarkt values him at €300,000 as of June 2026. A legendary moment from his career occurred during the 2022 FIFA World Cup match between Morocco and France, where El Yamiq executed a spectacular bicycle kick that nearly found the net past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. This play became a widely retold story of technical skill denied by elite goalkeeping. Another iconic incident involved a heated interaction with Portuguese defender Pepe, which sparked extensive post-match analysis regarding his competitive nature. More recently, his return to Real Zaragoza in early 2026 generated buzz as a dramatic European comeback after his time in the Saudi Pro League. Some commentators jokingly advised him not to "do everything at once" upon his arrival, highlighting the mix of skepticism and anticipation surrounding his resurgence in Spain.[edit]

Jawad El Yamiq keeps his family life largely out of the public eye. He was born in Khouribga, Morocco, but details about his parents or siblings are not widely documented. He rarely shares personal family moments on his Instagram account, which focuses on professional updates and training content. As of 2026, there is no public information about a spouse or children, and he appears to be single. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq is associated with several notable figures in football. He had a memorable on-field altercation with Portuguese defender Pepe during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, a moment that drew widespread media attention. He also faced French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who saved his bicycle kick in the semi-final. His agent is 11MANGMT. [edit]

Jawad El Yamiq keeps his personal life extremely private. There are no credible public records, news reports, or social media confirmations detailing any romantic relationships, marriages, engagements, or divorces. As of 2026, he appears to be single, with no publicized dating history available in mainstream sports media or entertainment outlets. He does not frequently share details about his family or children on his official Instagram account, focusing instead on professional updates and training content. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Jawad El Yamiq's net worth at $2 Million. The bulk of his earnings stem from his football contracts, particularly his tenure in the Saudi Pro League, where salaries notably exceed those in many European leagues. His current agreement with Eyüpspor in Turkey further contributes to his income, with annual earnings estimated between €400,000 and €600,000. While specific figures for endorsements and bonuses remain undisclosed, speculative reports suggest potential additional income from Middle Eastern deals, though these lack concrete verification. Unlike some top players, El Yamiq has not ventured into significant business investments or real estate that would add to his wealth. His financial standing is primarily built on his playing career, which has spanned over a decade across multiple continents.[edit]