Ilaix Moriba

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Kourouma and the second or maternal family name is Kourouma.
Ilaix Moriba
Moriba playing for Guinea at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Personal information
Full name Moriba Kourouma Kourouma[1]
Date of birth (2003-01-19) 19 January 2003 (age 21)
Place of birth Conakry, Guinea
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Celta
(on loan from RB Leipzig)
Number 6
Youth career
2008–2010 Espanyol
2010–2019 Barcelona
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2021 Barcelona B 19 (2)
2021 Barcelona 14 (1)
2021– RB Leipzig 2 (0)
2021–2023 → Valencia (loan) 38 (0)
2024 → Getafe (loan) 14 (0)
2024– → Celta (loan) 0 (0)
International career‡
2019 Spain U17 8 (2)
2019 Spain U18 2 (0)
2024– Guinea U23 4 (1)
2022– Guinea 23 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:08, 18 May 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:37, 30 July 2024 (UTC)

Moriba Kourouma Kourouma (born 19 January 2003), known as Ilaix Moriba (Catalan: [iˈlaʃ muˈɾiβə]), is a Guinean professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club Celta Vigo, on loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, and the Guinea national team.

Early life

Moriba was born in Conakry, Guinea, to a Guinean mother and a Liberian Krahn father.[3] He holds both Spanish and Guinean citizenship.[4][5]

Club career

Barcelona

Moriba arrived at Barcelona from Espanyol in 2010.[6][7] He has been considered one of the best players of his generation, and he has very often played in categories of players far older than him.[8][9] Moriba really stood out at age 15 when he scored a hat-trick against the Real Madrid U19. The most remarkable feat was his last goal, where he scored from the middle of the pitch at the start of the second half.[10]

In January 2019, as his youth contract was about to expire, clubs such as Manchester City tried to sign him.[11]

The following season he became a regular for Barça B. He scored his first goal on 8 March 2020, the winner in a 3–2 victory against Llagostera.[12]

During the 2020–21 season, Moriba was included in the first team squad for the first time for a La Liga match against Granada. He was an unused substitute in a 4–0 away win.[13][14] Moriba would later make his first team debut – and as a starter – on 21 January against Cornellà in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey. He was replaced by Sergio Busquets in the 74th minute of a 2–0 win.[15][16] On 13 February 2021, he made his La Liga debut in a 5–1 win over Alavés, in which he also provided an assist for Francisco Trincão.[17] He scored his first La Liga goal in a 2–0 away win against Osasuna on 6 March 2021,[18] to become the fifth youngest scorer in club's history, topped only by Ansu Fati, Bojan Krkić, Lionel Messi and Pedri.[19]

On 10 March 2021, Moriba made his UEFA Champions League debut in a 1–1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, coming on as a substitute for Sergio Busquets in the 79th minute.[20]

RB Leipzig

On 31 August 2021, Moriba joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for a fee of €16 million and €6 million additional in variables. Barcelona also reserved the right to 10% of any future sale.[21][22]

Loan to Valencia

On 28 January 2022, La Liga club Valencia announced the signing of Moriba, on a loan until the end of the season.[23] Moriba returned for a second loan for the 2022–23 season.[24]

Loan to Getafe

On 8 January 2024, after Moriba had made no appearances for RB Leipzig during the first half of the 2023–24 season, he returned to La Liga, on loan to Getafe until the end of the season.[25] Moriba made his debut for Getafe on 11 February against Celta which resulted in a 3–2 victory.[26]

Loan to Celta

On 7 August 2024, Moriba returned to La Liga once again, joining RC Celta de Vigo on loan with an option to buy.[27]

International career

Youth career

Moriba is a former youth international with Spain, but he is also eligible for both Guinea and Liberia.[4] He eventually chose to play for the Guinea national team, being set to make his debut on the international stage in June 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic froze the 2020 football season.[28]

Guinea

Moriba with Guinea national team in 2023

On 21 August 2021, Moriba officially chose to change international allegiances from Spain and chose to play with the Guinea national team.[29] On 27 December 2021, he was included in Guinea's extended 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad.[30] On 3 January 2022, Moriba debuted with Guinea in a 3–0 friendly loss to Rwanda.[31] In December 2023, he was named in the Guinean squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.[32]

On 9 May 2024, he scored a penalty for Guinea U23 in a 1–0 win over Indonesia during the 2024 Summer Olympic's qualification play-off, which qualified his nation to the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1968.[33]

Style of play

Moriba, noted for his robust physique, is celebrated for his agility and resolve, both in possession of the ball and when tracking back.[34][35][36] His technical skills are complemented by a profound comprehension of the game's dynamics and his powerful shooting ability.[37][38] Observers often draw parallels between Moriba's style of play and that of Yaya Touré, a former footballer for Blaugrana known for his midfield dominance.[39][40] Moriba himself has acknowledged being inspired by football legends, including Sergio Busquets and Juan Román Riquelme, as well as other prominent figures associated with Barcelona.[41][42]

Developed at La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, Moriba's playing style does not wholly conform to the typical profile of a Barcelona academy midfielder, often characterized by a deep-lying playmaker role epitomized by Xavi. While Moriba aspires to excel in the number 6 role, his early notable performances came as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. In this role, Moriba functioned as a box-to-box midfielder, undertaking both defensive responsibilities and contributing to offensive plays.[43]

Moriba has garnered attention for his long range goals. He has also been a provider, delivering crucial assists, a trait evident since his days in the youth ranks.[44][45]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 18 May 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barcelona B 2019–20 Segunda División B 8 1 — — 3[a] 0 11 1
2020–21 11 1 — — 0 0 11 1
Total 19 2 — — 3 0 22 2
Barcelona 2020–21 La Liga 14 1 3 0 1[b] 0 0 0 18 1
RB Leipzig 2021–22 Bundesliga 2 0 1 0 3[b] 0 — 6 0
2023–24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 6 0
Valencia (loan) 2021–22 La Liga 14 0 4 0 — — 18 0
2022–23 24 0 3 1 — 1[c] 0 28 1
Total 38 0 7 1 — 1 0 46 1
Getafe (loan) 2023–24 La Liga 14 0 0 0 — — 14 0
Celta Vigo (loan) 2024–25 La Liga 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Career total 87 3 11 1 4 0 4 0 106 4
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in Segunda División B play-offs
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España

International

As of match played 6 June 2024[46]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Guinea 2022 10 0
2023 9 1
2024 4 0
Total 23 1
Scores and results list Guinea's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Moriba goal.[46]
List of international goals scored by Ilaix Moriba
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 March 2023 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco  Ethiopia 2–1 3–2 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Honours

Barcelona

References

  1. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019: List of Players: Spain" (PDF). FIFA. 31 October 2019. p. 22. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2019.
  2. ^ "Ilix Moriba". RB Leipzig. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  3. ^ Quaye, Peterking (27 May 2018). "Manchester City Liberian young player Moriba Kourouma". Liberia Sports Online. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  4. ^ a b Mognouma, Lamine (9 July 2017). "Nouveau Talent : À quatorze ans, Moriba Kourouma s'impose au centre de formation du Barça". Guinée Foot (in French).
  5. ^ "¿Lo sabías? Ilaix Moriba, el canterano que cobra dos millones al año - Eurosport". Eurosport Espana (in Spanish). 8 January 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  6. ^ "Bale's agent secures €2M deal for Barcelona starlet". Diario AS. 10 April 2020. Archived from the original on 21 May 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  7. ^ Ilaix Moriba, Barça through and through since the age of seven, FC Barcelona, 22 January 2021
  8. ^ "Next Generation 2020: 60 of the best young talents in world football". The Guardian. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  9. ^ "Barça: Manchester city ,Chelsea et Juventus font le forcing pour Moriba kourouma". Guinée Actu Sport (in French). 30 November 2018. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  10. ^ "Barcelona youth teamer Ilaix scores a hat-trick against Real Madrid". Marca. 21 August 2018.
  11. ^ Martinez, Ferran (19 December 2018). "Cuenta atrás por Ilaix Moriba" [Countdown for Ilaix Moriba]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish).
  12. ^ "Barça B 3-2 Llagostera: License to dream". FC Barcelona. 8 March 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba called up by Koeman for Granada". Sport. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  14. ^ "Granada 0-4 Barça: Another away win!". FC Barcelona. 9 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  15. ^ "Cornellà 0-2 FC Barcelona: Victory in extra time". FC Barcelona. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  16. ^ "Ilaix Moriba: I almost couldn't sleep". Marca. 21 January 2021.
  17. ^ "Ilaix Moriba on Barcelona debut: I have that mistake in my head". Marca. 13 February 2021.
  18. ^ "Jordi Alba and Ilaix Moriba rockets fire Barcelona into second place". Eurosport. 6 March 2021.
  19. ^ "Ilaix Moriba scores first goal for FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona. 6 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Paris 1–1 Barcelona". UEFA. 10 March 2021.
  21. ^ "TALENTED YOUNGSTER ILAIX MORIBA JOINS RB LEIPZIG". RB Leipzig. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Ilaix Moriba". FC Barcelona. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  23. ^ "Official statement | Ilaix Moriba". Valencia CF. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  24. ^ "Ilaix Moriba: Valencia sign ex-Barcelona youngster on loan from RB Leipzig". Goal.com. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  25. ^ "COMUNICADO OFICIAL | Ilaix Moriba" [OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | Ilaix Moriba] (in Spanish). Getafe CF. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Getafe vs Celta Vigo - February 11, 2024". FOX Sports. 11 February 2024.
  27. ^ "RC Celta completes its midfield with the quality and strength of Ilaix Moriba". Celta Vigo. 7 August 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  28. ^ Lantheaume, Romain (20 March 2020). "Barca : le prometteur Ilaix Moriba dit oui à la Guinee !". Afrik foot (in French).
  29. ^ "Ilaix Moriba renuncia a España" (in Spanish). As.com. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  30. ^ "Afcon 2021: Antoine Conte and Florentin Pogba replaced in Guinea squad". BBC Sport. 27 December 2021.
  31. ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "Rwanda vs. Guinea (3:0)". national-football-teams.com.
  32. ^ "Les 25 sélectionnés pour la CAN 2023" (in French). Guinean Football Federation. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  33. ^ "Guinea beat Indonesia 1–0 in the AFC-CAF Play-off to claim final men's Olympic football quota". Olympics. 9 May 2024.
  34. ^ Fitzpatrick, Richard. "Ilaix Moriba: The 'Pogba of Barca' Destined for Greatness". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Ilaix Moriba: Barcelona's 'new Pogba' closing in on a first-team debut | Goal.com US". www.goal.com. 16 April 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  36. ^ "Pagina riservata". World Football Scouting (in Italian). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  37. ^ "Ilaix Moriba, il 'nuovo Pogba' del Barcellona | Goal.com Italia". www.goal.com (in Italian). 16 April 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  38. ^ Riggio, Salvatore (24 August 2019). "Moriba, il ragazzino del Barcellona considerato il nuovo Pogba che a 16 anni vale già 100 milioni Video". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  39. ^ "FC Barcelone : Les 4 choses à savoir sur Ilaix Moriba, le nouveau prodige de la Masia". 90min.com (in French). 24 January 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  40. ^ "Así juega Ilaix Moriba, la última joya de la cantera del Barça que apodan como el nuevo Pogba". Diario AS (in Spanish). 8 January 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  41. ^ "I'm showing my support for Barcelona!". OneFootball. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  42. ^ Sport (6 March 2021). "¿Quién es Ilaix Moriba? El centrocampista del FC Barcelona". sport (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  43. ^ "Ilaix Moriba starts against Cornella: Physical, skilled and a threat in the box". MARCA. 8 January 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  44. ^ Sanchez, Max Franco (7 March 2021). "FC Barcelone : l'émouvant discours de la nouvelle pépite Ilaix Moriba". Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert (in French). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  45. ^ "¿Quién es Ilaix Moriba, el jugador del Barcelona que ya ha marcado su primer gol? | Goal.com Espana". www.goal.com (in Spanish). 10 April 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  46. ^ a b "Ilaix Moriba". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  47. ^ Lowe, Sid (17 April 2021). "Messi stars as Barcelona thrash Athletic Bilbao to lift Copa del Rey". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 April 2021.