From his early days playing at Parc Louisbourg in Montreal’s Cartierville neighbourhood to competing professionally in Europe and, ultimately, returning home to represent FC Supra, Diyaeddine Abzi’s journey has been defined by consistency, resilience, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity.
Midway through the 2026 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, we sat down with the 27-year-old left-back to discuss the experiences that have shaped him both as a footballer and as a person. Here are five takeaways for every young aspiring player.
1. There Is No Single Roadmap to Success
After moving from Morocco to Canada in 2008, Abzi progressed through Quebec’s youth soccer system before joining CPL side York9 FC (now Inter Toronto FC) in 2019, having caught the club’s attention while representing AS Blainville in the TELUS Canadian Championship.
His success in the CPL soon opened the door to opportunities abroad with Pau FC in France and CD Leganés in Spain before eventually bringing him back home to Quebec with FC Supra du Québec.
At every stage of his journey, Abzi remained focused on what he could control: improving a little every day, embracing challenges, and making the most of every opportunity that came his way. One occasion led to another, and his career continued to evolve because he was prepared when those moments arrived.
2. Learn from Those Who've Been There
Mentorship can make a tremendous difference in a young player's development.
For Abzi, that guidance came early from his uncle, who played professionally in Morocco and helped him understand the discipline and sacrifices required to pursue the game at a high level.
Whether it's a coach, parent, family member, or experienced teammate, having someone who has already navigated the highs and lows of football can provide invaluable perspective and support.
3. Relationships Matter Most
When the moment calls for someone to step up, Abzi isn't one to deliver fiery speeches or demand attention. Instead, he sets the tone through genuine relationships and a cunning ability to inject levity when tensions run high.
"I prefer to have one-on-one conversations with my teammates, but I also love to crack a good joke when the locker room needs it," Abzi explains.
4. Discipline Is Built Over Time
For the fullback, discipline is the foundation of any successful career; but it's also something that develops through experience.
"I think the most important thing in football is discipline. Discipline ensures that you improve and train well. Without discipline, a career wouldn't make sense. I can't say I've been perfectly disciplined my entire career, but every challenge has been a massive lesson. In life, we always learn from everything that happens. It's what has made me grow the most."
In other words: setbacks are inevitable. What matters is how you respond. Learn from your mistakes, recommit to your habits, and continue striving to improve. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, both as a player and as a person.
5. Never Lose Your Love for the Game
Despite years of professional football, Abzi remains, first and foremost, a fan of the sport.
Before our conversation, he had been intently watching Morocco's FIFA World Cup match against Haiti with his family, and like countless young players around the world, he grew up admiring Lionel Messi, whose creativity and brilliance inspired him to dream big.
That passion has never faded. For Abzi, enjoying the game is what makes the sacrifices and hard work worthwhile.
Professional football is rarely a straight path, and Diyaeddine Abzi’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t follow a single formula. In his case, that formula was built through humility, discipline, an unwavering love for the game, and above all, the confidence to pave a path that was uniquely his own.
Don't miss Diyaeddine Abzi and FC Supra du Québec in action at their next home match at Stade Boréale. Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.