Rida Zouhir Bio
Rida Zouhir-Takedam is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder. Born in Montreal, he most recently competed in Major League Soccer with D.C. United during the 2025 season after progressing through the CF Montréal pipeline. Eligible for both Canada and Morocco, he has represented the Canadian U-20 national team in international competition.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall, Zouhir developed through the Montreal Impact Academy before signing his first professional contract with CF Montréal in December 2020. Across his career he has also gained senior experience on loan in the USL Championship, a path that helped shape him into a versatile central midfielder.
Early Life and Background
Rida Zouhir-Takedam was born on November 23, 2003, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He grew up in a city with a deep soccer culture, where the sport is played year-round in community clubs across the province. From an early age, Zouhir showed a clear love for the game and began formal training as a young child.
Of Moroccan descent, Zouhir holds dual nationality and is eligible to represent both Canada and Morocco at the international level. His multicultural background and bilingual upbringing in Montreal helped shape his adaptability on and off the pitch, traits that later served him well as he moved between Canadian and American soccer environments.
At the age of five, Zouhir joined CS Braves D’Ahuntsic, a local youth club in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough of Montreal. He was quickly promoted to play with players two to three years older than him, an early sign of his advanced technical ability and tactical awareness.
Path to Soccer
In 2016, at the age of twelve, Zouhir joined the Montreal Impact Academy, the official youth development system of the city’s professional club. Over the next four years he progressed through the academy ranks, training in a high-performance environment and competing against top youth players across Quebec and beyond.
His time in the Impact Academy exposed him to professional coaching standards and tactical concepts that prepared him for senior football. By the time he finished his youth development in 2020, he had earned recognition as one of the more promising midfield prospects in the Montreal pipeline.
On December 4, 2020, Zouhir signed his first homegrown contract with the Montreal Impact, which had been rebranded as CF Montréal. The deal allowed him to begin his professional career with his hometown club and represented the first major step in his journey to Major League Soccer.
Rida Zouhir Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Zouhir made his professional debut with CF Montréal on August 8, 2021, in a 2–1 MLS loss against D.C. United. The appearance came in his first full season with the senior squad and marked a meaningful milestone in his young career.
He recorded his first professional start on October 27, 2021, in a Canadian Championship semi-final match against Forge FC. In 2022, Zouhir earned his first MLS start on March 12 against New York City FC, while also featuring for the CF Montréal U-23 side during the same season.
CF Montréal Breakthrough (2021–2024)
After several appearances across cup and league competition, Zouhir extended his contract with CF Montréal in April 2023, signing through 2024 with a club option for 2025. As part of the new deal, he was sent on loan to San Antonio FC of the USL Championship to gain regular senior minutes.
During his spell at San Antonio FC, Zouhir scored his first professional goal on May 27, 2023, in a match against New Mexico United. The loan proved valuable in his development, giving him consistent playing time at a competitive level.
In 2024, Zouhir split his season between the CF Montréal U-23 side and a loan with Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship, which began in August. At the end of that season, CF Montréal declined his contract option, ending his time with the club that had developed him.
D.C. United Era (2025)
In February 2025, Zouhir signed a contract with D.C. United for the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. The move gave him a fresh opportunity in Major League Soccer and a chance to compete for regular minutes at a new organization.
He featured for D.C. United throughout the 2025 MLS campaign, contributing as a central midfielder. At the end of that season, however, the club declined its option on his contract, making him a free agent.
Egaleo Era (2026)
In February 2026, Zouhir signed with Egaleo of Super League Greece 2, continuing his professional career abroad. The move marked his first experience in European football and a new chapter outside North America.
Driving Style and Strengths
Zouhir is recognized as a versatile midfielder with the ability to operate in central and box-to-box roles. His youth background in a possession-oriented academy system has given him comfort on the ball, while his loan spells in the USL Championship helped him build the physical and tactical toughness required at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Zouhir made his professional debut against D.C. United, scored his first professional goal with San Antonio FC, and represented Canada at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Each milestone reflected a steady climb through professional ranks.
Rida Zouhir International Career
On March 23, 2022, Zouhir was named to the Moroccan U-20 team, and he appeared in a 2–2 friendly against Romania U-20s on March 29, 2022. Later that June, he was officially called up by the Canadian U-20 team for the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
At the CONCACAF U-20 Championship, Zouhir featured in all three group-stage matches and the team’s Round of 16 match, gaining valuable tournament experience at the youth international level.
Rida Zouhir Personal Life
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Zouhir is of Moroccan descent and grew up in Montreal, where soccer is deeply embedded in the city’s community life. While his parents are not publicly documented, his dual heritage has shaped both his identity and his international eligibility.
Personal Life
Off the field, Zouhir has remained focused on his professional development, moving between cities in Canada, the United States, and Greece to pursue his soccer career. Public information about his marital status and personal relationships has not been disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transition year for Zouhir, who joined D.C. United in February on a one-year deal with club options for 2026 and 2027. He looked to establish himself as a regular contributor in central midfield while adapting to a new organization and a new league environment.
Throughout the campaign, Zouhir featured in a series of MLS fixtures as D.C. United worked to refine its squad around him and other recent signings. His experience with CF Montréal, San Antonio FC, and Birmingham Legion gave him a strong foundation heading into a competitive year in the league.
At the conclusion of the 2025 season, D.C. United declined its contract option, making Zouhir a free agent once again. Despite the setback, his consistent presence across multiple professional environments positioned him for his next opportunity, which came with Egaleo in February 2026.