Mohamed Ihattaren is back at the top level and is central to Fortuna Sittard's strong start to the season. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder scored twice and provided an assist in the 3-2 win at ADO Den Haag, keeping the Limburg side fourth in the Eredivisie with 10 points from five matches.
How is Ihattaren performing this season?
Mohamed Ihattaren has become indispensable for manager Danny Buijs. In the opening five league games of this campaign, he has contributed three goals and two assists. This productivity continues from a solid last season, where he netted six times and provided ten assists in 28 games. His recent display against ADO Den Haag, where he was directly involved in all three goals, highlights his rediscovered form. Fortuna Sittard currently sits fourth in the standings, having scored 11 goals, conceded 9, and boasting a +2 goal difference.
What is the story behind his comeback?
The road back for Ihattaren was long and fraught with obstacles. He burst onto the scene as a teenager at PSV, but his career stalled after his father's death in 2019 and subsequent disciplinary issues. A promising move to Juventus fell apart, followed by failed spells at Sampdoria, Slavia Prague, and Ajax. His low point came in September 2024, when he was without a club and signed a short-term deal with RKC Waalwijk. Manager Danny Buijs, who has now worked with him for 15 months, told The National: "I have been working with him for 15 months now, and I have come to the conclusion that he needs to keep his world as small as possible if he still wants to make his dreams come true."
What personal challenges did he overcome?
Beyond sporting setbacks, Ihattaren faced serious personal troubles. His ex-wife Yasmine Driouech accused him of domestic abuse, leading to him completing 60 hours of community service. He was also linked by a police investigation to members of the so-called 'Mocro Mafia'. His international future was equally uncertain; he played for every Dutch youth team but contemplated switching to Morocco. Former national coach Ronald Koeman personally persuaded him to choose the Netherlands, but in 2025 Ihattaren reversed that decision. He told ESPN that the Netherlands was "completely out of the question" due to the negative coverage of his fall from grace.
What does this mean for Fortuna Sittard?
For Fortuna Sittard, Ihattaren's resurgence is a major boost. The club, the seventh of his career, provides the stability he needed. His sublime natural talent is now benefiting the team. The side is just five points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar and faces a tough run of fixtures. The next is a home match against Ajax on September 12, a clash you can find in our fixtures. Fortuna's squad, which you can view on the squad page, appears ready for the challenge.
The immediate focus for Ihattaren and Fortuna Sittard is fully on the upcoming home fixture against sixth-placed Ajax on Saturday, September 12.
