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Zakaria El Ouahdi has won the 35th Ebony Shoe, the award for the best player of African descent in the Jupiler Pro League. The trophy was presented during the African Awards 2026 gala ceremony. With this achievement, Zakaria follows in the footsteps of former winner Tolu Arokodare and other ex-Genk players such as Moumou Dagano, Souleymane Oulare, Paul Onuachu, Mike Trésor and Ally Samatta.

Adem Zorgane of Union finished in second place, while Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge completed the podium.

In September 2023, El Ouahdi made the move from RWDM to KRC Genk. The right-back is enjoying an outstanding 2025–2026 season, making 41 appearances. During that time, he has recorded 12 goals and 5 assists, impressive numbers for a defender.

Notably, it is already the fifth time in the past eight years that a KRC Genk player has won the award. Previously, Samatta (2019), Onuachu (2021), Trésor (2023) and Arokodare (2025) all received the Ebony Shoe.

The entire Genk family is extremely proud of this remarkable and well-deserved achievement.

 
 
Genk's Zakaria El Ouahdi and Genk's Konstantinos Kos Karetsas celebrate after scoring during a soccer match between KVC Westerlo and KRC Genk, Saturday 18 April 2026 in Westerlo, on the third day of the Europe Play-offs (PO2) of the 2025-2026 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. BELGA PHOTO JOHAN EYCKENS
Nominee Genk's Zakaria El Ouahdi poses for the photographer during the 2026 edition of the 'Gala of the Ebony Shoe' soccer trophy in Brussels, Monday 04 May 2026. The Ebony Shoe award is given to the best African player or player of African descend in the Jupiler Pro League Belgian first division soccer competition. BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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