Walid Cheddira

Walid Cheddira (Arabic: وليد شديرة; born 22 January 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Lecce on loan from Napoli. Born in Italy, he plays for the Morocco national team.

Early life

Cheddira was born in Loreto, Marche, Italy to parents originally from Béni Mellal, Morocco. His father, Aziz, was also a footballer, having played for some time in the Moroccan minor leagues.

Club career

Early career

Cheddira began playing football in his hometown team, Loreto, playing in the amateur Eccellenza league. On 15 July 2017, he was purchased by Sangiustese, making his debut with the club in the Coppa Italia Serie D match won 3–0 against Castelfidardo, in which he scored his first goal for Sangiustese.[citation needed]

Parma

On 10 July 2019, Cheddira signed a three-year contract with Serie A club Parma, who loaned him to Arezzo in Serie C on 22 July. He made his professional Serie C debut on 25 August, as a starter in a game against Lecco. After half a season, Parma sent Cheddira on loan to Lecco on 31 January 2020, and to Mantova on 4 September.

Bari

On 18 July 2021, Cheddira joined Bari on loan, who made the deal permanent on 30 June 2022, signing a contract until June 2025.

Napoli

On 20 August 2023, Cheddira was signed by Napoli and loaned to Frosinone for the 2023–24 season. On 27 August 2024, Cheddira moved on a new loan to Espanyol in Spain. On 1 September 2025, he was loaned to Sassuolo with an option to buy. On 22 January 2026, Cheddira moved on a new loan to Lecce, also with an option to buy.

International career

Cheddira was born in Italy and is Moroccan by descent. He was called up to play for the Morocco national team for two friendlies against Chile and Paraguay on 23 and 27 September 2022, respectively; he made his debut against Chile as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 win.

On 10 November 2022, Cheddira was named in Morocco's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He made his World Cup debut as an 82nd-minute substitute in the round of 16 against Spain, a penalty shoot-out victory for Morocco following a 0–0 draw after extra time. In the quarter-finals against Portugal, Cheddira came on in the 65th minute, and was sent off after two yellow cards in stoppage time; Morocco won 1–0.

Style of play

Cheddira is a varied forward, capable of playing both as a central striker and as a winger on either flank. Physically strong, he has also shown that he has notable athletic skills, especially useful in pressing and making runs. He also complements his team's offensive actions, also as an assist-man, and is quite incisive in front of goal, being able to finish with either direct shots or headers.

Personal life

During his time at Bari, Cheddira was nicknamed "Ualino" or "Walino", a diminutive of the name Pasquale in the Barese dialect.

Career statistics

As of match played 21 September 2025

Honours

Bari

• Serie C: 2021–22

Individual

• Serie B Player of the Month: September 2022
• Coppa Italia Top scorer: 2022–23

Orders

• Order of the Throne: 2022

External links

• Media related to Walid Cheddira at Wikimedia Commons
• at Soccerway