R. Zouhir D.C. United Midfielder #44 Performance Analysis and Season Highlights

Alright folks, if you’re tuning in to D.C. United this season, you’ve got to watch Rida Zouhir—the energetic midfielder rocking the number 44 jersey. At just 21, Zouhir’s already turning heads, injecting life into D.C. United’s midfield as they try to climb the MLS ladder.

Zouhir made his way to D.C. United after stops at CF Montréal and a USL Championship stint. He came to Washington hungry, eager to prove himself. His technical skills, relentless work ethic, and that fearless edge make him one of the league’s most intriguing young players.

Curious what Zouhir brings to the pitch and why he could be the difference-maker for D.C. United’s future? Let’s dig into his style, recent numbers, and career highlights. For the latest updates, check his official D.C. United profile.

R. Zouhir’s Role at D.C. United

Zouhir heads into 2025 aiming to lock down a central role in D.C. United’s midfield. After joining as a free agent, his journey from Montréal to Washington has people talking about his versatility and upside.

Position and Responsibilities

You’ll spot Zouhir as a central midfielder, operating between the defense and attack. He tracks back to protect the back line and then pushes forward to ignite attacks in the final third.

Even at 21, he covers a ton of ground, always hustling. His passing and vision help D.C. move upfield with purpose, and he’s not shy about breaking up plays with smart positioning.

He’s quick to pounce on loose balls or intercept passes, then looks to keep things moving with crisp, short passes—or he’ll spot a longer outlet if the moment’s right. Coaches handed him set-piece duties in preseason, so expect him to pop up on corners and free kicks, both defending and attacking.

He’s also not afraid to press high and win possession back, giving D.C. another weapon in their tactical arsenal.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2025	D.C. United	—	—	—

We’ll update these stats as the 2025 season rolls along.

Squad Number and Roster Status

For 2025, Zouhir sports the number 44. That’s a fresh start in MLS, and you can’t miss that big ’44’ on his back at Audi Field or on the road.

He signed a one-year deal through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. That gives both sides some flexibility, and it’s a chance for Zouhir to show he belongs as a regular MLS starter.

He’s on the senior roster, which signals D.C. United’s intent to build their midfield around young, high-energy players. As a Canadian with CF Montréal experience, Zouhir brings a fresh vibe to the locker room.

His roster spot ensures he’ll get plenty of opportunities—whether in league play or cup matches.

Career with D.C. United

Zouhir came to D.C. United as a young midfielder looking to make his mark in MLS. His journey with the club is all about his transfer, match involvement, and that chase for his first MLS goal.

Signing and Transfer Details

D.C. United brought in Zouhir in early 2024, looking to beef up their midfield. He signed through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. Before that, he played for CF Montréal and spent time on loan in the USL Championship, picking up valuable experience along the way.

He arrived alongside midfielders like Brandon Servania and Hosei Kijima, part of D.C.’s plan to overhaul the engine room. The move showed they believed he could handle MLS competition right away.

The club’s announcement talked up his potential to fit in quickly and contribute. For more, check the D.C. United official roster and MLS profile.

First Team Appearances and Performances

Zouhir broke into the matchday squad in 2025, getting minutes in several early games. He played as a central midfielder, focusing on breaking up attacks and linking up with the front line.

His debut outings showed composure, tidy passing, and a real willingness to do the dirty work defensively—stuff that doesn’t always show up in the stats.

He hasn’t found the back of the net yet, but his tactical discipline and tireless running have earned him the coach’s trust. D.C. United counts on him for off-the-ball movement and supporting the attack.

Here are his basic 2025 stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2025	D.C. United	4	0	0

For live stats, check his MLS player page and FootyStats profile.

Professional Journey Before D.C. United

Before D.C. United, Zouhir built his game in Canadian and American soccer. Those early days shaped him as a midfielder and showed his drive to reach MLS.

Time at CF Montréal

CF Montréal gave Zouhir his first shot as a pro. He signed with the then-Montreal Impact and made his MLS debut as a teenager, showing coolness on the ball from the start.

He played in both league and cup matches, earning praise for his work rate and smarts. Even when minutes were hard to come by—Montréal had a deep midfield—he made the most of every chance.

The club’s development system helped him sharpen his skills and take on more responsibility each time out.

Here’s a quick look at his numbers with CF Montréal:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	4	0	0
2022	3	0	0
2023	7	1	1

Loan Spells: San Antonio FC and Birmingham Legion

To get more minutes, Zouhir went on loan to San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. That was a big step—he faced tougher, more physical competition and showed he could run a midfield under pressure. He even chipped in with some goals.

After Texas, he spent time with Birmingham Legion. There, his consistency jumped out, and you could see his playmaking shine against all sorts of attacking styles.

Both loan spells added to his versatility and set him up for the MLS jump.

Here’s how he did in the USL:

Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
San Antonio FC	19	4	2
Birmingham Legion	11	1	1

Early Career with Braves D’Ahuntsic

Zouhir’s roots trace back to Braves D’Ahuntsic in Montreal, a club known for developing local talent. He came up through their youth ranks, learning the basics that shaped his style.

His standout play caught the eye of CF Montréal scouts, leading to his academy move. The focus on tight ball control and disciplined midfield roles at Braves D’Ahuntsic built the foundation for his climb to the pros.

International Experience

Zouhir’s international journey reflects his ties to both Canada and Morocco. His youth national team experiences helped mold him into the player he is today.

Canada Youth National Team Participation

Canada’s youth setup called up Zouhir several times. The Canadian Soccer Association pegged him as a technical midfielder with real upside.

He played in U17 and U20 camps, sharing the field with some of Canada’s best young prospects. In these squads, he anchored the midfield, using his passing and knack for breaking up play.

Coaches loved his composure and how he handled pressure, even when facing older opponents. He built chemistry with future MLS players, and whether it was a friendly or a qualifier, he proved reliable.

Here’s a snapshot of his youth national team stats:

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Canada U17/U20	8	2	3

Morocco U20 Team Involvement

Zouhir also got a shot with Morocco’s U20s, thanks to his heritage. The Moroccan federation brought him into camps and friendlies, exposing him to a different tactical approach.

With Morocco, he learned to play a more possession-heavy style and move quickly off the ball. Competing in international friendlies against teams from Europe and Africa gave him a broader perspective.

This experience sharpened his awareness and adaptability—traits you see when he faces unpredictable opponents. His time with Morocco added a new wrinkle to his game at a young age.

Concacaf U-20 Championship Highlights

The Concacaf U-20 Championship stands out as a big milestone. Zouhir represented Canada in this high-stakes tournament, where teams battled for U-20 World Cup spots.

He started most matches in midfield, dictating tempo and linking play. Defensively, he hustled to win the ball back. In one group stage game, he notched an assist with a perfectly timed through ball.

You can find more on his tournament performances at the Concacaf U-20 Championship. That run helped raise his profile and set him up for a shot at the pro level.

Player Profile and Playing Style

Rida Zouhir, wearing number 44 for D.C. United, brings a mix of physical presence and growing technical skills. His Canadian roots and MLS experience shape a modern, watchable playing style.

Physical Attributes

Standing at 178 cm, Zouhir has the frame to handle MLS’s demands. You’ll see his athleticism in how he covers ground and battles for possession.

His stamina and quickness let him press opponents and win the ball back. Born in 2003, he brings youthful energy and agility—key for those quick transitions.

He favors his right foot, which is obvious when he jumps in to intercept or sparks a run upfield.

Attribute	Value
Height	178 cm
Age	21
Dominant Foot	Right
Position	Midfielder

Technical Skills as a Midfielder

Zouhir likes to keep things tidy, sticking to safe, short passes and focusing on ball retention in the midfield. In the 2025 MLS season, he’s stepped onto the pitch for several league matches, always looking to keep possession moving rather than charging forward.

You’ll spot his tendency to support teammates and link up play instead of firing off risky balls. That’s just his style—steady, reliable, maybe not flashy, but coaches love it.

He uses his vision and awareness to read the field and make quick decisions under pressure. Sure, he’s not banging in goals yet, but you can’t ignore his defensive work rate and how he helps transition the ball.

If you check out his early MLS days, you’ll see he stays disciplined, keeps fouls to a minimum, and rarely loses his cool. Those are the little things coaches at D.C. United really notice as he keeps developing.

Key Relationships and Influences

Rida Zouhir’s time at D.C. United? It’s all about the people around him. His growth depends on the support from teammates and coaches—without that, you just don’t get the full picture of his strengths.

Notable Teammates at D.C. United

You just can’t talk about Zouhir without mentioning his midfield partners. Playing next to Brandon Servania, Zouhir benefits from Servania’s strong distribution and relentless work rate.

That partnership gives Zouhir the freedom to push up and take a few more chances, knowing Servania has his back. It’s a big part of what drives D.C. United’s transitions from defense to attack.

Hosei Kijima is newer to the squad, but he’s already built a solid connection with Zouhir. Kijima’s knack for finding space and his smart positioning open up passing options for Zouhir.

You see the chemistry there—it shows up in the way the team moves and the results on the field.

Player	Position	Notable Attribute	Key Interactions with Zouhir
Brandon Servania	Midfield	Ball Distribution	Supports defensive balance
Hosei Kijima	Midfield	Positioning	Adds passing options, tempo

Coaches and Analysts’ Perspectives

Let’s talk about how coaches and analysts see Zouhir’s spot in D.C. United’s plans. Guys like Matt Doyle actually rave about Zouhir’s gutsy attempts at creative passes.

He’s not shy about pressuring opponents, either. Coaches love that—it’s the kind of energy that gets the whole squad buzzing.

Staff say Zouhir adapts fast and can jump into different midfield roles when the team needs it. That flexibility really matters with D.C. United’s lineup always shifting.

You’ll see him adjust to new tactics, sometimes even new teammates, without skipping a beat. Everyone’s noticed his tactical growth and, honestly, the trust the technical staff puts in him keeps growing.