In the vibrant streets of Casablanca, a remarkable soccer story is unfolding that proves dreams have no limits. Ayoub El Kaabi, a 32-year-old striker who once worked as a carpenter to support his family, has become the unexpected hero of Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, dazzling fans with his extraordinary overhead kicks.

El Kaabi's journey from humble beginnings in the impoverished neighborhood of Derb Mila to becoming a national soccer sensation is a testament to perseverance and raw talent. While team captain Achraf Hakimi has been sidelined with an injury, El Kaabi has seized his moment, scoring spectacular goals that have transformed him from a fringe player to a celebrated national icon.

His breakthrough came in the tournament's opening match against Comoros, where he sealed a 2-0 victory with a stunning bicycle kick that instantly went viral. Fans across Morocco began mimicking his move, with online videos capturing people recreating the kick in streets, parks, and even unlikely urban settings. In Casablanca, a drone light show even dramatized his iconic goal, highlighting the incredible public adoration.

El Kaabi's soccer journey is as compelling as his playing style. Starting as a carpenter who played street soccer, he signed his first professional contract in 2014 at age 21. His path included stints in Morocco, China, Turkey, and Qatar before finding significant success with Greek club Olympiacos, where he has scored an impressive 75 goals in two and a half years.

The striker's international career has been equally remarkable. He won the African Nations Championship in 2018 and 2021 as the top scorer, represented Morocco in the 2018 World Cup, and has now become a pivotal player in the current AFCON tournament. His performances against Mali and Zambia - including another breathtaking overhead kick - have solidified his status as a national hero.

When asked about his remarkable goals, El Kaabi remains humble. 'The most important thing is to score,' he said after the Zambia match. 'It doesn't really matter who scores or how they do it.' This attitude, combined with his extraordinary skill, has endeared him to millions of Moroccans who see in him a symbol of determination and hope.

As Morocco prepares to face Tanzania in the tournament's knockout stage, all eyes are on El Kaabi - the carpenter turned soccer sensation who proves that extraordinary journeys often begin in the most unexpected places.