Striker Scores 20 Goals After Punching Teammate in Belgium

After getting sent home from Belgium for punching a teammate during a heated locker room fight, striker Soufiane Benjdida could have let anger end his career. Instead, he returned to Morocco and just scored 20 goals to deliver MAS Fes their first league title since 1985.

The 24-year-old's journey started with promise at Morocco's Raja Casablanca, where he caught European scouts' attention with eight goals under legendary coach Marc Wilmots. Belgian club Standard Liege signed him to a four-year deal in 2023, expecting big things from the emerging talent.

But Europe didn't go as planned. Benjdida struggled for playing time, bouncing between Standard's first team and loan spells in Belgium's second division. His frustration peaked in January 2025 when, after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Patro Eisden, he completely lost control and punched fellow Moroccan teammate Achraf Laaziri in the locker room.

Laaziri left with an ice pack on his jaw. RWD Molenbeek canceled Benjdida's loan immediately, and Standard released him for free.

Most players would have spiraled after such a public meltdown. Benjdida chose differently. He signed with MAS Fes, a historic Moroccan club stuck in mediocrity since their last trophy in 2016, and got something he desperately needed: trust and regular playing time.

The club gave him the number nine jersey and made him a starter. He repaid that faith immediately, scoring in his debut against RCA Zemamra. Two games later, he coolly converted a penalty against his old club Raja, then exploded for four goals in three games.

Why This Inspires

Benjdida's transformation from angry exile to league champion shows what happens when talent meets the right environment. MAS Fes didn't judge him for his past mistakes. They saw potential and gave him responsibility, while he focused on his craft instead of his frustrations.

His coach Pablo Franco built a system that maximized Benjdida's poaching instincts near goal. The striker responded by topping the entire league's scoring charts with 20 goals, powering the Yellow Tigers to the summit on the final day with a 2-0 victory over Olympique Dcheira.

The celebration on July 5, 2026 meant everything to Fes fans who had waited over four decades for this moment. But for Benjdida, it represented something deeper: proof that one moment of weakness doesn't define you, and that going home isn't always going backward.

Sometimes the sideways step is actually the path forward.