PROFILE | Mbark Boussoufa

Youth

Playing as a kid in the Amsterdam streets, Mbark started off his career with Ajax Amsterdam at the age of 12. He spent five years in the youth teams of Ajax winning many championship titles. Turning 17, Mbark joined Chelsea FC after a period of intensive scouting and a successful trial. The young Mbark signed a two year deal with Chelsea FC. During his first season at the London based club, Mbark scored 21 goals, being topscorer of Chelsea's U-19. The next season, 2003/04, Mbark was promoted to the Chelsea Reserves. After a successful season, Chelsea offered a new two year contract with a loaning deal possibility. Mbark turned down the offer, wanted to play in a first team squad.

A.A. Gent

Being a free agent, Mbark joined Belgium's A.A. Gent in the summer of 2004. Former Belgium coach Georges Leekens believed in Mbark and offered him a permanent place in his starting line-up. With his technical skills, Mbark soon became a promising figure in the Belgian league. His first season as a professonal player, Mbark ended up with 5 league goals and 7 assists. His breaktrough in the Belgian league followed the next season. Scoring a hattrick against F.C. Bruges, and showing remarkable statistics: 17 assists and 9 goals, Mbark provoked the interest of Belgium's leading team R.S.C. Anderlecht. At the end of the season, Mbark took a leading role in the Belgian football awards taking the 'Player of the season', 'Young player of the season' and 'Ebony Boot', being the best African player in the Belgian league. Mbark left A.A. Gent after two seasons for R.S.C. Anderlecht.

R.S.C. Anderlecht

In June 2006, Boussoufa signed a four year contract with R.S.C. Anderlecht after a €3.5 million transfer. In his first season he was a regular in the title-clinching squad. In January 2007, Mbark took the 'Golden Boot' award, rewarding Belgium's best player in the 2006 year. Mbark played a decisive role in Anderlecht's league winning team, scoring 8 times and providing 11 assists. Mbark also became a leading figure in the Moroccan national team but missed out the African Cup due to an injury. He became a key player for R.S.C. Anderlecht, finishing second in the 2007-2008 season after Standard de Liege. In May 2008, Mbark won the Belgian Cup, defeating his former teammates of A.A. Gent in the final. Mbark scored the second and decisive goal. The 2008-2009 season Anderlecht barely missed out on the title, losing the Championship play-off against Standard de Liège. However, Mbark was named Belgian Footballer of the Year for a second time in his career. At the end of the 2008/09 season he renewed his contract with a significant raise, making him the best paid footballer in Belgium. In The 2009/10 season Anderlecht's star shined in the UEFA Europa League, with Mbark as leading actor. Mbark managed 14 goals and 20 assists, which made him the most valuable player in Anderlecht’s championship-winning squad. Mbark took his second championship title with Anderlecht, after play-offs. He was named Belgian Footballer of the Year for a second consecutive time and the third time overall. Mbark also took the 'Ebony Boot' award for best African player for a second time in a row, also the third time in his career.