Failed Wonderkid #2- Hachim Mastour

Biodata

Full Name: Hachim Mastour

Nationality: Moroccan

Date of Birth: 15 June 1998

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Current Club: Reggina (Italy)

Current Market Price: 100k Euro (Updated on Dec 18 2018)

Highest Market Price: 500k Euro (Sept 2014- Jul 2015)

Former Clubs:

2014-2018 Milan

2015-2016 Malaga (loan)

2016-2017 Zwolle (loan)

2018-2019 Lamia

International Career:

2015 Morocco

Achievement:

None

Career

In 2014, an Italian born Morrocan burst onto the football fans scene with his memorable performance in the youth team. With the likes of Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are keen to sign him at the age of just 15. In the end, it was AC Milan won the battle of his signature. But little did he realised, it was the start of his nightmare.

Hachim Mastour was born in Reggio Emilia and began his playing career at his hometown club AC Reggiana. At the age of 13, he caught the attention from Inter Milan and featured for them in a youth tournament despite rules prohibiting him from leaving AC Reggiana. His performance in that very same tournament was eye-catching and attracted attention from several clubs. At last, he was signed by AC Milan with the recommendation from a former manager, Arrigo Sacchi.

His AC Milan career started swiftly as he gave an interview with Sky Italia shortly after signing. He also had a chance to compete in freestyle skills against Neymar Jr. in a video energy drink for Red Bull. Mastour had even been promoted by his manager at that time, Clarence Seedorf into the AC Milan’s first team for the final match of 2013-2014 Serie A season, even though he was just an unused sub in that match. He was the youngest AC Milan player to feature in the league. Mastour even featured in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation Qualification Group by representing Morocco for the final two minutes against Libya as a substitute. Sadly, this was his only highlight on his career.

On the transfer deadline day in 2015, Mastour was loaned to the Spanish outfit, Malaga CF for two seasons in order to gain more regular game time. However, with his young age, his transfer needed to be approved by FIFA, which was not completed until November. This proved to be costly as his progression stalled. He only made his competitive debut against Real Betis by playing just five minutes as a substitute. This was his only five minutes on the Malaga CF jersey as they opted to cut short his loan contract.

His next loan spell in the Dutch side, Zwolle has proved to be a failure either. He only managed to play 6 games in the senior side and failed to register a single goal or assists. Mastour performance in Zwolle U21 side is not impressive either as he only featured 9 games and registered one goal and one assist. After his loan spell ended in the Netherlands, his career progression did not improve and stalled once again.

Mastour was released after his contract with Milan was ended in 2018. He signed with a Greek club, Lamia on a free transfer. However, poor performance, injuries and poor relationship with the club had caused more damage in his career in Greek football. After only registered one assist in 6 games he played, Mastour left the club by terminate his contract by mutual consent.

Mastour went back to Italy to train with Parma in order to keep fitness so that he can be ready whenever any clubs call upon him. After being a free agent for six months, he returned to his homeland to sign for Reggina on a three-year contract. It was a tough few years for this young man and Italian media labelled this move as a warm homecoming for him. Even though he hasn’t featured in any of the club competition yet, hope he could rediscover his football talent that shocked the world when he was 14.

Verdict

Disappointment Rate: 9.5/10. Even though he is just 21 and has plenty of time to prove himself in the footballing world, it is clear that he was not able to reach his height when he broke onto the scene. Let just hope that he can rediscover his footballing mojo in his boyhood club and return to our attention with his amazing skills. Till then, he is one of the greatest disappointment in the footballing world.