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Karim ZazaMoroccan footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 09.01.1975
Country:  Morocco |
Content:
- Karim Zaza: A Moroccan Goalkeeper in Danish and German Football
- Success in Odense and Return to Brøndby
- Stint in Germany with Rot-Weiss Essen
- Triumph at Aalborg Boldspilklub
- Later Career andRetirement
- International Career
- Coaching Career
Karim Zaza: A Moroccan Goalkeeper in Danish and German Football
Early Career and CopenhagenKarim Zaza, a Moroccan goalkeeper, began his career at Brøndby IF but never made an appearance for the first team. In 1995, he joined F.C. Copenhagen, where he spent five seasons. He secured a regular spot in the team in 1997-1998, helping Copenhagen finish third in the Danish Superliga.
Success in Odense and Return to Brøndby
In 2000, Zaza was loaned out to Frem and Silkeborg IF before permanently signing with Odense Boldklub in 2001. At Odense, he became a key player and was recognized as the best goalkeeper in Denmark for three consecutive seasons from 2001 to 2003. In 2003, he returned to Brøndby but suffered a severe injury in 2004-2005, resulting in a prolonged absence from the team.
Stint in Germany with Rot-Weiss Essen
After recovering from his injury, Zaza became a backup goalkeeper for Brøndby. In 2006, he joined Rot-Weiss Essen in Germany's 2. Bundesliga as a free agent. He played as a regular starter in the 2006-2007 season but could not prevent the team's relegation.
Triumph at Aalborg Boldspilklub
Zaza returned to Denmark in 2007 and signed with Aalborg Boldspilklub. He was the team's primary goalkeeper for four seasons, making 149 official appearances. In 2008, he aided the club in winning the Danish Superliga and reaching the UEFA Champions League group stage, where he played in all six matches.
Later Career andRetirement
After Aalborg did not renew his contract in 2011, Zaza joined Vendsyssel FF in the Danish First Division. Knee issues limited his playing time in his final season. In May 2014, he retired from professional football at the age of 39.
International Career
Despite being born in Denmark, Zaza's Moroccan heritage made him eligible to play for the Moroccan national team. He made his debut in 2000 and played four official matches, including a World Cup qualifier in 2009.
Coaching Career
Shortly after retiring, Zaza became a goalkeeper coach for Lekhwiya SC in Qatar under Michael Laudrup. He followed Laudrup to Vendsyssel FF in 2016, serving as an assistant coach.
