*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:00, 15 September 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:15, 25 November 2023 (UTC)
Neil Yoni El Aynaoui (Arabic: نائل العيناوي; born 2 July 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ligue 1 club Lens. Born in France, he is a youth international for Morocco. El Aynaoui can also play as a defensive midfielder.
Club career
El Aynaoui joined the youth academy of Nancy when he was 8, and signed his first professional contract with the club on 3 June 2021.[1] He made his professional debut with Nancy in a 4–0 Ligue 2 loss to Toulouse on 31 July 2021.[2]
On 29 June 2023, El Aynaoui signed for Ligue 1 club Lens on a four-year contract.[3] He scored his first goal on 28 October 2023 against FC Nantes.[4]
International career
Born in France, El Aynaoui holds French and Moroccan nationalities.[5] He was called up to the Morocco U23s for a set of friendlies in September 2023.[6]
Personal life
El Aynaoui is the son of the retired Moroccan tennis player Younes El Aynaoui.[7]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 15 September 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition