Born and raised in Camaiore, Italy to Moroccan parents, El Wafi relocated to Tangier with his family in 2012, aged eight, following the death of his father; he moved back to his country of birth three years later.

[5][6] On 8 June 2023, it was officially announced that El Wafi would join Swiss side FC Lugano on a free transfer from 1 July, having signed a four-year contract with the Ticinese club.

[5][7][8] On 29 July, he made his professional debut for the club, coming on as a substitute for Kreshnik Hajrizi in the 57th minute of a 1–0 league win over St.

[9][10] On 21 September, he made his European debut as an injury-time substitute in a UEFA Europa Conference League goalless draw against Bodø/Glimt in the group stage.

[19][20] As the youngest player in the squad, he played four games throughout the tournament,[6] where the Atlas Lions won their first title[21][22] and qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics.