At 16, Moroccan Mohamed Habib Zinbi Joins Atlético Madrid Until 2031

Atlético Madrid have added a promising young left-back to their ranks, confirming the signing of Mohamed Habib Zinbi from Anderlecht’s academy. The Moroccan-Belgian defender, born on 17 November 2009, joined the Spanish club on 21 August 2026 at just 16 years old. The move was completed as a free transfer, with Atlético only required to pay training compensation to Anderlecht, since the Belgian club had chosen not to offer the teenager a professional contract.

Zinbi has signed a long-term deal running until 30 June 2031, a five-year commitment that reflects Atlético’s confidence in his potential. He will begin his spell in Spain with Atlético Madrid C, the club’s third-tier side competing in Segunda Federación – Group V. The plan is for him to progress gradually through the club’s youth and reserve structure, with the possibility of moving up if his development continues on the expected trajectory. This mirrors the trajectory of other young Moroccan talents such as Adam Aznou, who has similarly emerged as a rising star for the Atlas Lions after developing his skills in a major European academy.

Described by Spanish and Moroccan media as a “promising left-back” and a “Moroccan jewel” at U17 level, Zinbi is known for an attacking, modern approach to full-back play. Still in the early stages of his physical and tactical growth, he represents the kind of long-term project Atlético have increasingly prioritized in recent years, betting on young talent rather than the finished product.

Although eligible to represent both Morocco and Belgium, Zinbi has aligned himself with Morocco’s youth setup, having featured for the country’s sub-17 national team. His performances at club and international youth level have drawn growing interest from scouts across Europe, and his move to Madrid fits into a broader pattern of Moroccan players joining major European institutions. Like many Atlas Lions who developed their talent abroad, Zinbi represents a growing wave of Morocco’s diaspora players choosing to align with the national team despite being born and raised in Europe.

His departure from Anderlecht closes a chapter at one of Belgium’s most respected academies, known for producing top-level professionals. For Zinbi, though, the decision to leave came down to opportunity: Atlético’s development project offered a clearer path forward than staying in Belgium’s system without a professional deal in hand.

For Atlético Madrid, the signing is a modest but calculated piece of long-term squad planning. Should Zinbi fulfill his potential, the club will have secured a versatile, forward-thinking defender years before he reaches his prime, at minimal financial risk.