Bilal El Khannouss


Bilal El Khannouss is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, on loan from club Leicester City, and the Morocco national team.
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Club career

Genk

El Khannouss joined Anderlecht in 2009, but moved to Genk in 2019 due to a lack of playing opportunities. On 24 July 2020, he signed his first professional contract. He made his league debut on 21 May 2022 in a 0–0 draw against Mechelen.
On 1 November 2023, El Khannouss was nominated for the 2023 African Young Player of the Year by CAF.

Leicester City

El Khannouss signed for Premier League club Leicester City on 29 August 2024 on a four-year deal for a reported £21m fee. He was assigned the number 11 shirt. El Khannouss made his Leicester debut on 31 August 2024 in a 2–1 loss against Aston Villa. His first start came in a 1–1 draw against Everton on 21 September 2024. He scored his first goal for the Foxes on 3 December 2024 in a 3–1 home league victory against West Ham United.

VfB Stuttgart (loan)

On 1 September 2025, El Khannouss joined VfB Stuttgart on loan. Later that month, on 19 September, he scored his first goal in a 2–0 victory over St. Pauli.

International career

Born in Belgium, El Khannouss is of Moroccan descent. A former youth international for Belgium, El Khannous switched to represent the Morocco U20s.
On 10 November 2022, he was named in Morocco's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On 17 December, he made his international debut in the World Cup third-place playoff against Croatia, which ended in a 2–1 defeat.
In June 2023, he was included in the final squad of the under-23 national team for the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco itself, where the Atlas Lions won their first title, and qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics. On 21 March 2025, he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 victory over Niger during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
On 11 December 2025, El Khannouss was called up to the Morocco squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Playing style

El Khannouss possesses exceptional control of the ball and great vision, qualities that allow him to excel in one-on-one situations and execute precise, defense-splitting passes. His playing style is characterized by his close ball control, agility, and the ability to navigate tight spaces. His former coach at Genk, Michel Ribeiro, lauded him for having "eyes in his back," a testament to his ability to anticipate the movement of his teammates and opponents.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
121 March 2025Honor Stadium, Oujda, Morocco2–12–12026 FIFA World Cup qualification
218 November 2025Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier, Morocco4–04–0Friendly

Honours

Morocco U23
Morocco
Individual
Orders