Updated through December 12, 2020
Columbus (2020): Mokhtar made 19 regular-season appearances (10 starts as a left-midfielder) for Crew SC in 2020. The midfielder made his 2020 regular-season debut as a starter on Opening Match against New York City FC (March 1). He made his second appearance as a substitute for Pedro Santos on the road at Seattle Sounders FC (March 7). During the Group Stage matches of the MLS is Back Tournament, Mokhtar scored two goals: one against FC Cincinnati* (July 11) and the other – the lone goal and a game-winner in the 18th minute – against Atlanta United* (July 21). He made a substitute against the New York Red Bulls* (July 16). Mokhtar made a total of three appearances (two starts) during the MLS is Back Tournament. The midfielder then made consecutive starts coming off injury on the road against FC Cincinnati (August 29), at home against Philadelphia Union (September 2) and at home against FC Cincinnati (September 6). Mokhtar made two substitute appearances between matches at Chicago Fire FC (September 12) and against Minnesota United FC (September 23) and started at home against Nashville SC (September 19). He then made five consecutive appearances (two starts) from September 27 through October 18, notably scoring his third regular-season goal of 2020 on the road against FC Dallas (October 3). The midfielder made three appearances (one start) from October 24 through the November 4 match on the road at Orlando City SC.
* MLS is Back Tournament Group Stage matches counted towards the 2020 MLS regular season
2019 (Columbus): Youness Mokhtar made eight regular-season appearances (five starts at left midfielder) and scored one goal in 2019. He made his 2019 MLS and Crew SC regular-season debut during a home contest against FC Cincinnati (August 10), subbing into the contest for Luis Diaz in the 54th minute. Mokhtar recorded his first MLS and Crew SC start during a home contest against Toronto FC (August 17) playing 67 minutes of the contest. He returned to the starting lineup against Atlanta United (September 14). Mokhtar scored his first goal for Crew SC during a home contest against the Philadelphia Union (September 29). He did not make an appearance in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
The midfielder most recently played for Stabaek of the Norwegian First Division and has made 170 First Division appearances across the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, while scoring 28 goals and providing 31 assists. Mokhtar will officially be added to the Black & Gold roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa and will occupy an international roster slot. Targeted Allocation Money was used in this transaction.
A veteran of the game, Mokhtar has played for several clubs, including: Dutch Eredivisie sides PEC Zwolle, FC Twente and PSV Eindhoven; Stabaek of the Norwegian Eliteserien; MKE Ankaragucu of Turkey’s Super Lig; and Al-Nassr FC of Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. In addition to his experience playing in 170 First Division matches across Europe and the Middle East, Mokhtar has also played in the KNVB Cup, the Turkiye Kupasi and the Saudi Crown Prince Cup, making a combined 24 appearances while scoring eight goals and providing two assists. At the European level, the midfielder has also seen action in UEFA Europa League Qualifiers.
A product of the PSV Eindhoven Academy, Mokhtar was born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents. At the youth level, he has featured for the Netherlands Under-17 and U-18 squads, as well as the Morocco U-20 and U-21 sides.
PERSONAL
Mokhtar has two brothers and one sister. He has one daughter and a second child on the way with his wife. Mokhtar likes to spend his free time doing activities with his family. His favorite place to go on vacation is Dubai and he tries to go there every year if possible. Mokhtar's favorite food is tajine, a traditional Moroccan dish. Growing up he enjoyed watching soccer clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona. He enjoyed watching "spectacular players" like Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and later on Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Mokhtar watches documentary series in his free time.
He speaks four languages: Dutch, English, German and Moroccan.
ACQUIRED
Signed with Crew SC as a free agent on July 19, 2019.
Name: Youness Mokhtar (YOU-ness MOCK-tar)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 165
Born: August 29, 1991 in Utrecht, Netherlands
Hometown: Utrecht, Netherlands
Citizenship: Morocco
Acquired: Signed by Crew SC on July 19, 2019
Previous Experience: Stabaek (2019), MKE Ankaragucu (2018-2019), PEC Zwolle (2016-2018), Al-Nassr FC (2015-2016), FC Twente (2013-2015), PEC Zwolle (2012-2013), PSV Eindhoven (2011-2012)
