Nourdin Boukhari represented Morocco; his younger brother scores four goals for the Netherlands in five days
Ayoub Boukhari, younger brother of former Morocco international Nourdin Boukhari, has scored four goals in five days for the Dutch futsal team. The 29-year-old was the driving force behind the 2-2 draw with Andorra on Wednesday in Rotterdam, watched by his older brother.
Two goals in the first leg, two more in the return. Ayoub Boukhari particularly shone in the two matches between the Netherlands and Andorra, played on November 6 and 11 as part of qualifying for the 2028 Futsal World Cup. His latest performance keeps the Dutch at the top of their group and guarantees them at least a place in the playoffs for a spot in the next round.
On November 6, away in Andorra, the Moroccan-born player had already scored twice in the Netherlands’ convincing 5-1 win. Five days later, at the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam, he did it again in front of his home crowd. Twice trailing, the Netherlands came back each time thanks to Boukhari, who scored both of his team’s goals.
The evening had special meaning for the 29-year-old. His older brother Nourdin Boukhari, 46, was in the stands. A former Moroccan international midfielder, he played for clubs including Ajax Amsterdam, FC Nantes and Sparta Rotterdam, where he now works as an assistant coach.
“He called me beforehand to tell me he was coming,” Ayoub said in an interview with Sportnieuws.nl. Originally from Rotterdam, where he still lives, the player particularly enjoys these family visits.
Nourdin Boukhari, a role model for his younger brother
The former Atlas Lion had a decisive influence on Ayoub’s career. He, too, started out in traditional football, notably at Sparta Rotterdam, before specializing in futsal. His older brother, who also had experience playing indoor football, passed on a great deal of tactical advice.
Ayoub says he learned by watching Nourdin’s movement, his reading of the game and his ability to choose the right moment to accelerate or hold his position. These qualities now play an essential role in his game for the Dutch national team.
The player, currently with Tigers Roermond, also took part in training sessions with the Moroccan national team before opting for the Netherlands. In April 2024, he had already said he wanted to play as many international matches as possible for the Oranje.
The Boukhari family also has ties to another figure in Dutch football, Noa Lang. Nourdin was the international’s stepfather, and Ayoub grew up with him and played football with him in the streets of Rotterdam.
After three qualifying matches, the Netherlands sit top of their group ahead of Serbia and Andorra. Their next fixture is on March 3, 2027, away to Serbia, in a match that will determine whether they can advance directly to the Elite round of qualifying for the 2028 World Cup. Ayoub Boukhari goes into the match having scored four more goals in just five days.
