Neil El Aynaoui

Neil Yoni El Aynaoui (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.

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. He made his professional debut with Nancy in a 4–0 Ligue 2 loss to Toulouse on 31 July 2021.

On 29 June 2023, El Aynaoui signed for Ligue 1 club Lens on a four-year contract. He scored his first goal on 28 October 2023 against FC Nantes.

International career
Born in France, El Aynaoui holds French and Moroccan nationalities. He was called up to the Morocco U23s for a set of friendlies in September 2023.

Personal life
El Aynaoui is the son of the retired Moroccan tennis player Younes El Aynaoui.