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Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder#8· Moroccan

Neil El Aynaoui carries a famous name: his father is Younes El Aynaoui, one of Morocco's greatest ever tennis players, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals and French Open quarter-finals. Neil chose football, and he chose his mother's nationality — French by birth, Moroccan by international allegiance — committing to the Atlas Lions and helping them win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Born in Nancy in 2001, El Aynaoui progressed through his hometown club before signing for Lens in 2023 and developing into one of Ligue 1's most promising midfielders. Roma moved quickly to sign him in July 2025 on a five-year deal — a statement of intent about his potential. At 1.86m, he is a tall, athletic midfielder with good technical quality and an eye for goal.

He brings energy, intelligence, and a winning mentality forged in international competition to Roma's midfield. Still in the early stages of what promises to be a significant career, El Aynaoui is a player to watch closely.

Latest on Neil El Aynaoui

Dybala scores twice in Roma's 6–0 friendly romp; Wesley impresses, Angeliño struggles
Match ReportSquad News AI
17h ago

Dybala scores twice in Roma's 6–0 friendly romp; Wesley impresses, Angeliño struggles

Paulo Dybala spearheaded Roma's pre-season momentum with a brace and two assists in a 6–0 victory over the Primavera at Trigoria under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Argentine playmaker set up goals for Matías Soulé and Artem Dovbyk, who netted twice to open and close the friendly. Bryan Cristante also scored. Wesley, the Brazilian defender, emerged as one of the brightest performers, shaking off an injury sustained before the World Cup, while the squad operated with limited depth after El Aynaoui and Koné are not due back for several weeks. Gasperini was forced to borrow young midfielder Bah on loan from Mattia Scala due to midfield shortages. The match unfolded in four twenty-minute periods and only truly came alive after Dybala and Wesley entered the pitch. Mario Hermoso took a hard knock below the right knee but departed with ice—nothing serious, and the Spanish defender already appears match-ready. Angeliño, however, continues to lack sharpness; the left-back showed the same form as last season with limited drive and fitness still to regain. Gasperini has monitored his progress since the start of the training camp, though his full condition appears distant, signalling that reinforcements may be required in that area of the pitch. Outgoing players including Kumbulla and Pagano remained absent from the friendly.

World Cup revenue boost: Roma sixth among Serie A clubs in FIFA payouts
Club NewsSerie A AI
2d ago

World Cup revenue boost: Roma sixth among Serie A clubs in FIFA payouts

AS Roma earned over 1 million dollars from FIFA's Club Benefits Programme during the 2026 World Cup, ranking sixth among Serie A sides in total club payments. The FIFA scheme, run jointly with the European Football Clubs association, distributed 355 million dollars (300 million euros) to compensate clubs for releasing players to international duty. Each club received a minimum of approximately 5,000 dollars per day (4,300 euros) for every player loaned to their national federation. Roma fielded five players across the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico: Evan N'Dicka, Zeki Çelik, Neil El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, and Donyell Malen. These five accumulated 211 days of competition, generating 1.055 million dollars for the club. Milan topped Serie A's earnings with over 2.3 million dollars from ten players, followed by Atalanta (1.6 million from eight players) and Inter (1.55 million from seven). Juventus collected 1.2 million and Bologna 1 million. Among individual Roma players, Koné was the most valuable, earning 280,000 dollars for the club—second only to Lautaro Martinez of Inter and Nico Paz of Como, who each generated 285,000 dollars.

Roma Begin 2026–27 Preparation at Trigoria with Wesley Back in Training
Squad NewsClub News AI
6d ago

Roma Begin 2026–27 Preparation at Trigoria with Wesley Back in Training

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.

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Roma begin summer training; Dybala renewal confirmed, Pellegrini deal close
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
7d ago

Roma begin summer training; Dybala renewal confirmed, Pellegrini deal close

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.

Gasperini names 17-man squad for Roma pre-season training; Pellegrini absent
Squad NewsClub News AI
7d ago

Gasperini names 17-man squad for Roma pre-season training; Pellegrini absent

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his initial squad of 17 players for Roma's pre-season training camp at Trigoria as the 2026–27 season officially begins. The Giallorossi are preparing for the new Serie A campaign and a return to Champions League football. Several key players are absent from the initial group. Zeki Çelik is unavailable after his contract expired on 30 June; the Turkish defender is completing his break following the World Cup with his national team, though a contract renewal remains under discussion. Lorenzo Pellegrini is similarly without a deal at present. A staggered return has been arranged for other recent internationals: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen, both recently eliminated from the World Cup, will join the squad later, as will El Aynaoui. Manu Koné's arrival date is yet to be confirmed as he continues with France at the World Cup. Several players returning from loan spells will also train with the first team while their future transfers are resolved. For all involved, the pre-season retreat represents an opportunity to impress Gasperini and stake their claim for the campaign ahead.

Dybala Confirmed for Roma Pre-season; Pellegrini and Çelik Absent from Initial Squad
Squad NewsTransfer News AI
7d ago

Dybala Confirmed for Roma Pre-season; Pellegrini and Çelik Absent from Initial Squad

Roma have announced a 17-player squad for the opening phase of their pre-season training camp under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala is included after signing a contract extension to 30 June 2027. Absent are Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini, both still finalizing renewal negotiations. Çelik is expected to arrive at Trigoria on 18 July, while Pellegrini's return date remains uncertain. Five additional players—Cherubini, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano—have been added to the first-team squad pending potential departures. The squad will train this afternoon at 18:00 and overnight at Trigoria. Double sessions are scheduled for tomorrow: 08:00 and 18:00, with another overnight stay at the training centre. Several internationals are due back on staggered dates: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen on 22 July, Neil El Aynaoui on 30 July, and Manu Koné at a date still to be confirmed as he continues World Cup involvement. The official squad list includes: Angelino, Cristante, De Marzi, Dovbyk, Dybala, Ghilardi, Gollini, Hermoso, Mancini, Pisilli, Rensch, Soulé, Svilar, Vasquez, Vaz, Wesley, and Ziolkowski.

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