NorthEast United FC have strengthened their long-term plans by announcing a two-year contract extension for Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, ensuring he will remain with the Highlanders until the end of the 2027-28 season.
The extension comes after an extraordinary spell for Ajaraie, who has established himself as one of the club’s most influential players since joining in 2024. His impact was immediate, playing a key role in guiding NorthEast United to their first major trophy by winning the Durand Cup in the 2024-25 season. The Highlanders built on that success by successfully defending the title in 2025-26, with the Moroccan once again leading from the front.
Ajaraie’s performances have also earned widespread individual recognition. During the 2024-25 Indian Super League season, he produced one of the competition’s finest individual campaigns, scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists in just 25 league appearances. The remarkable tally saw him win both the ISL Golden Boot and the ISL Golden Ball while setting a new record for the highest number of goal contributions in a single ISL season.
The forward also became the first player in league history to claim the ISL Player of the Month award three times in succession. He carried his outstanding form into the next campaign, finishing as both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner at the 2025-26 Durand Cup as NorthEast United claimed back-to-back titles. His achievements were further recognised with the FPAI Foreign Player of the Year 2025 award, adding another honour to an impressive collection earned in just two seasons.
Reflecting on his contract extension, Ajaraie said, “From the first day I arrived, the people at this club and the fans made me feel at home. We created some unforgettable memories together, but I believe our journey is far from over. I’m happy to continue wearing this badge, and I’ll keep giving everything I have to help this team and make our supporters proud.”
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali described the extension as a major boost for the club, praising Ajaraie’s influence both on and off the pitch. “Keeping Alaaeddine with us is fantastic news for the club. His quality is clear for everyone to see, but what makes him truly special is his humility, professionalism and commitment to the team every single day. He represents the values we want at NorthEast United, and I’m excited to continue working together as we chase even bigger objectives,” Benali said.
