Taha Benrhozil

Taha Benrhozil (طه بنغوزيل; born 18 June 2006) is a Moroccan footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

Early life
Benrhozil was born in Mohammedia to a father who also played as a goalkeeper, and is the grandson of Abdelsalam Benrhozil, who played for Union de Mohammédia.

International career
Called up to the Morocco under-17 side for the 2022 Arab Cup U-17, Benrhozil started in every game as Morocco reached the final. For his performances in the tournament, Benrhozil was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

In the final, after Morocco lost 4–2 on penalties to Algeria following a 1–1 draw in normal time, Benrhozil was involved in a collision with an Algerian player as he went to leave his penalty area, with the Algerian team choosing to celebrate in the Moroccan end of the pitch. This altercation sparked a brawl, with Algerian players attacking Benrhozil and his teammates with kicks and punches. For their role in the incident, Algeria were subject to punishment from the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), who ordered them to pay a fine of US$120000 for fans entering the field, while both sides were fined US$25000 for failing to control players. Algerian player Abdelhak Benidir, who initially attacked Behrhozil, was given a six-month suspension by the UAFA.

He was called up to the squad again in April for the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, and he drew praise for his performance in Morocco's 3–0 quarter-final win against Algeria, keeping prolific Algerian forward Moslem Anatouf quiet during the game. Following Morocco's 6–5 penalty shoot-out win against Mali, he earned comparisons to Morocco national team goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, for their shared ability to save penalty kicks.

His performances continued to impress for Morocco's under-17 side, and at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, he was named Man of the Match in Morocco's 4–1 penalty shoot-out win against Iran, following a 1–1 draw in normal time - saving from Iranian Kasra Taheri twice in the penalty shoot-out, after the initial penalty was retaken due to encroachment from Benrhozil.

Personal life
Benrhozil supports Moroccan Botola side Wydad Casablanca.

Honours
Morocco U17
 * U-17 Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2023