[2] Three years later, Elkhattabi would, however, return to Sparta, where he scored 36 goals in 75 matches, striking up a partnership in attack with Bram Marbus.

[3] His final season – 2000–01 – proved his most successful, finishing second in the Eredivisie Golden Boot with 21 goals in 33 appearances, only behind Mateja Kežman.

He stayed there for four years, before joining RBC Roosendaal on loan in 2005 after being rumored to Braga, Stoke City and Leeds United.

[1] Elkhattabi has a fear of flying, a condition which severely limited his ability to play in away matches in European competitions and to travel with the national team.

[2] His international debut came against Togo in November 1997, and he was included in Morocco's 1998 World Cup squad.