Moncef Zekri

Moncef Zekri was born in Brussels and came up through OH Leuven's academy before a move to Sint-Truiden and, in 2023, to KV Mechelen. He spent the 2024–2025 season with the reserve side, Jong KV Mechelen, before making his senior debut for the first team in May 2025, when he also signed his first professional contract.

A left-footed defender used mainly at left-back but also capable of playing as a left midfielder or left wing-back, Zekri turned down interest from Ajax to commit his future to Mechelen. That decision preceded a move to Sporting CP in August 2026 in a deal reported at around €3.5 million plus bonuses, signing a four-year contract.

Zekri qualifies for both Belgium, where he was born, and Morocco, for whom he has chosen to play internationally. His standout achievement came with the Moroccan under-17 side at the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, which they won, with Zekri a regular starter and named to the CAF Team of the Tournament. He had already picked up a bronze medal at the 2024 UNAF U-17 Tournament. He has not yet featured for Morocco's senior national team.