Karim Muhieddine Mekkaoui (; born 19 April 2001) is a Lebanese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Cypriot club Ethnikos Achna.
Club career
Racing Beirut Mekkaoui played for Lebanese side Safa's youth team in 2017, but left due to limited senior playing time. He joined Racing Beirut mid-2017–18 season in 2018, and made his Lebanese Premier League debut under coach Roda Antar aged 16. He "quickly caught the eye with his skills, high technique, and scoring sense" while playing for the club. Mekkaoui was awarded the 2018–19 Lebanese Premier League Best Young Player while playing for them. Following this season, Mekkaoui had a trial with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, but did not sign due to passport-related issues.
Cyprus In 2021, Mekkaoui signed for Cypriot Second Division side Othellos Athienou on a two-year contract, and scored twice in 16 games in the 2021–22 season. In 2022, Mekkaoui signed for Second Division side Ayia Napa, making 25 league appearances and scoring three goals in 2022–23. In 2023, he moved to side Omonia Aradippou, helping the club achieve promotion to the Cypriot First Division in his first season. Mekkaoui played 55 games between 2023 and 2026, scoring six goals in the process.
On 28 January 2026, Mekkaoui joined Doxa Katokopias mid-2025–26 Second Division. During a match against Omonia 29M on 21 February, he suffered a pelvic fracture and was sidelined for the rest of the season. On 6 July 2026, Mekkaoui moved to newly-relegated Second Division side Ethnikos Achna, ahead of the 2026–27 season.
International career Mekkaoui played for Lebanon internationally at the under-14 level and progressed through the youth teams. He played for the under-23 team at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification.
Mekkaoui was first called up to the Lebanon national team ahead of the friendly match against Oman on 28 May 2025, and made his debut as a second-half substitute.
Personal life Mekkaoui cited France international Paul Pogba and Lebanon international Mohamad Haidar as his football idols. He is a supporter of the Portugal national team and Spanish side Real Madrid.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCypriot CupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsOthellos Athienou2021–22Cypriot Second Division162—162Ayia Napa2022–23Cypriot Second Division253—253Omonia Aradippou2023–24Cypriot Second Division255102652024–25Cypriot First Division201212222025–26Cypriot First Division10020120Total55651607Doxa Katokopias2025–26Cypriot Second Division400040Ethnikos Achna2026–27Cypriot Second Division000000Career total100115110512
International
+Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsLebanon202530Total30
Honours Individual Lebanese Young Player of the Year: 2018–19
Omonia Aradippou Cypriot Second Division: 2023–24
References
External links
(2024–present) (2018–2019)