Zakaria El Ouahdi, a 22-year-old Moroccan right-back for KRC Genk, has been awarded the 2026 Ebony Shoe, an annual prize given to the best African or player of African descent in the Belgian Pro League. He succeeds Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, who won the award in 2025.
El Ouahdi received the honor on May 5, 2026, in a ceremony in Brussels. He beat fellow Moroccan Adem Zorgane (RSC Charleroi) and other nominees to claim the trophy. In his acceptance speech, El Ouahdi said, 'I draw a lot of inspiration from Achraf Hakimi,' referencing the Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco star.
This season, El Ouahdi has been a key player for Genk, contributing to their strong campaign in the Belgian Pro League. His performances have also earned him a regular spot in the Moroccan national team, where he competes with Hakimi for the right-back position.
The Ebony Shoe, first awarded in 1992, recognizes the impact of African players in Belgian football. Previous winners include Vincent Kompany, Mbark Boussoufa, and Youri Tielemans.
