Mohamed El Arouch

Mohammed El Arouch (born 6 April 2004) is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Botola Pro club IR Tangier.

Early career El Arouch was born in Orange in a family of Moroccan descent. El Arouch began his football career at the local club Sporting Club d'Orange in 2009. Considered outclassed by the coaches of his team with a decent quality of passing and dribbling, the young player received the interest of many French clubs (PSG, OM, Monaco, Nice...) and even English (Manchester City...). but his choice fell on Lyon, whom he joined in 2018. He is regarded by the media as one of biggest talents ever produced by Olympique Lyon's Academy.

During the 2021–22 season, El Arouch played a crucial role on Lyon's Coupe Gambardella's successful campaign, leading the team winning the competition for the first time since 1997. He scored twice in course of the competition, notably the opening goal in the final at the Stade de France, where Lyon defeated Caen 5–4 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regular time.

Club career On 25 February 2023, El Arouch made his professional debut with Lyon, getting subbed on in a Ligue 1 win against Angers, replacing Thiago Mendes in the 89th minute.

On 21 August 2024, El Arouch moved to Brazil, signing for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Botafogo. However, he left a month later without having played a single game for the team for "personal reasons".

On 3 February 2025, El Arouch joined Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, signing a two-year contract. On 12 December 2025, he left the club by mutual consent. A day later, he joined Botola Pro side IR Tangier.

International career El Arouch chose to represent France instead of Morocco at youth level. He was capped 7 times France under-16, scoring once against Italy under-16 in a friendly match. He then represented France's under-18, under-19 and under-20 sides.

Career statistics

Honours Lyon Youth Coupe Gambardella: 2021–22

Botafogo Campeonato Brasileiro: 2024