View source for Adel Taarabt

{{short description|Moroccan association football player (born 1989)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Adel Taarabt
| image = Taarabt Benfica-Zenit UCL201920 8.jpg
| caption = Taarabt playing for [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] in 2019
| full_name = Adel Taarabt<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/news/publications/squad-lists/premier-league-squad-lists-january-2015.pdf |title=Premier League clubs submit squad lists |publisher=Premier League |date=4 February 2015 |page=32 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033127/http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/news/publications/squad-lists/premier-league-squad-lists-january-2015.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|5|24|df=y}}<ref>{{Hugman|25482|access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Taza, Morocco]]
| height = 1.82 m<ref>{{cite web |title=Adel Taarabt |publisher=UAE Pro League |url=https://www.uaeproleague.ae/en/player/adel-taarabt/adnoc-pro-league-2 |access-date=25 August 2023 }}</ref>
| position = [[Attacking midfielder]], [[winger (association football)|left winger]]
| currentclub = [[Sharjah FC| Sharjah]]
| clubnumber = 49
| youthyears1 = 2004–2006
| youthclubs1 = [[RC Lens|Lens]]
| years1 = 2006–2007
| clubs1 = [[RC Lens|Lens]]
| caps1 = 2
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2007
| clubs2 = → [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] (loan)
| caps2 = 2
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2007–2009
| clubs3 = [[Tottenham Hotspur FC|Tottenham Hotspur]]
| caps3 = 15
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 
| clubs4 = 
| caps4 = 
| goals4 = 
| years5 = 2009–2015
| clubs5 = [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]]
| caps5 = 164
| goals5 = 34
| years6 = 2013–2014
| clubs6 = → [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] (loan)
| caps6 = 16
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2014
| clubs7 = → [[AC Milan]] (loan)
| caps7 = 16
| goals7 = 4
| years8 = 2015–2022
| clubs8 = [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]]
| caps8 = 129
| goals8 = 2
| years9 = 2017–2018
| clubs9 = → [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]] (loan)
| caps9 = 28
| goals9 = 2
| years10 = 2022–2025
| clubs10 = [[Al-Nasr SC (Dubai)|Al-Nasr]]
| caps10 = 74
| goals10 = 30
| years11 = 2025–
| clubs11 = [[Sharjah FC| Sharjah]]
| caps11 = 5
| goals11 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2006
| nationalteam1 = [[France national under-17 football team|France U17]]
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 2008
| nationalteam2 = [[France national under-19 football team|France U19]]
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2009–2022
| nationalteam3 = [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]]
| nationalcaps3 = 30
| nationalgoals3 = 4
| club-update = 31 January 2025
| nationalteam-update = 1 June 2022
}}

'''Adel Taarabt''' ({{langx|ar|عادل تاعرابت}}; born 24 May 1989) is a Moroccan professional [[association football|footballer]] who plays as an [[attacking midfielder]] or [[winger (association football)|winger]] for [[UAE Pro League]] club [[Sharjah FC| Sharjah]].

Taarabt began his playing career in France at [[RC Lens|Lens]] before moving to English [[Premier League]] club [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in 2007. Taarabt then moved to [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] on loan in July 2009. He was signed permanently in August 2010 and quickly established himself at [[Loftus Road]]. QPR were relegated in 2013 and in the ensuing summer, Taarabt moved to [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] on loan. After another loan to [[AC Milan]] in Italy, Taarabt signed a long-term deal with [[Primeira Liga]] club [[Benfica]] in 2015, who loaned him out to Italian side [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]] two years later.

Taarabt made his Morocco debut in February 2009, and scored his first international goal the following month. He represented the country at the [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations]].

==Club career==
===Early career===
Taarabt was born in [[Fez, Morocco|Fez]]<!--Source says Fez. Please do not change this to Taza unless you have a source-->, Morocco.<ref name="A. Taarabt"/> At a young age, his family moved to a small town called [[Berre-l'Étang]], [[Bouches-du-Rhône]], France. He began his career at [[RC Lens|Lens]] in 2004, and played 14 matches for RC Lens B in the [[Championnat de France amateur]]. He made one [[first team (association football)#F|first team]] appearance for Lens during the 2006–07 season.<ref name="Adel Taarabt">{{cite web|title=Adel Taarabt |url=http://www.lfp.fr/joueur/index.asp?no_joueur=107690 |publisher=Ligue de Football Professionnel |access-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202024627/http://www.lfp.fr/joueur/index.asp?no_joueur=107690 |archive-date=2 February 2009 }}</ref>

===Tottenham Hotspur===
Still at the age of 17, Taarabt signed for [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] on a long-term [[Loan (sports)|loan]] on 2 January 2007 after the club offered to integrate him quickly into the first team to offer him maximum playing time.<ref name="Tottenham sign midfielder Taarabt">{{cite news |title=Tottenham sign midfielder Taarabt |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6225089.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2007 |access-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317190257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6225089.stm |archive-date=17 March 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Within two months, he made his first senior appearance in a Spurs shirt, entering as an 87th-minute [[substitute (association football)|substitute]] for [[Pascal Chimbonda]] against local rivals [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] in a 4–3 away victory on 4 March.<ref name="West Ham 3-4 Tottenham">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=West Ham 3–4 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6392467.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2007 |access-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829045436/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6392467.stm |archive-date=29 August 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 April, he made the only other appearance of his loan, in a 1–0 defeat at another local rival, [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]; he replaced [[Teemu Tainio]] after 64 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Saj |title=Chelsea 1–0 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6513349.stm |access-date=21 August 2014 |website=BBC Sport |date=7 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929160558/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6513349.stm |archive-date=29 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tottenham signed Taarabt permanently on 8 June.<ref name="Tottenham agree deal for Taarabt">{{cite news |title=Tottenham agree deal for Taarabt |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6735427.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=8 June 2007 |access-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318164626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6735427.stm |archive-date=18 March 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his first goal for Spurs in a pre-season friendly against [[Stevenage Borough F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] on 7 July. He made his first of six appearances in the [[2007–08 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2007–08 season]] against [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] in the 4–0 win on 18 August, entering the 71st minute for [[Wayne Routledge]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lyon |first1=Sam |title=Tottenham 4–0 Derby |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941864.stm |access-date=21 August 2014 |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2007}}</ref> He won a crucial free kick, scored by Dimitar Berbatov in a 4–3 win at Upton Park sparking wild scenes in the away end.

At the beginning of the [[2008–09 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2008–09 season]], Taarabt was among a group of players not given a squad number by then manager [[Juande Ramos]], and also banned from the first-team training ground.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Caroe|first1=Charlie|title=Juande Ramos splits Tottenham dressing room as chaos reigns at White Hart Lane|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/3107549/Juande-Ramos-splits-Tottenham-dressing-room-as-chaos-reigns-at-White-Hart-Lane-Football.html|access-date=21 August 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=30 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423162047/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/3107549/Juande-Ramos-splits-Tottenham-dressing-room-as-chaos-reigns-at-White-Hart-Lane-Football.html|archive-date=23 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He was given his old number when [[Harry Redknapp]] took over team management, but his only [[Premier League]] appearance that season came in a goalless [[North London derby]] on 8 February 2009, playing three minutes in place of [[Aaron Lennon]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Tottenham 0–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7867118.stm |access-date=21 August 2014 |website=BBC Sport |date=8 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207144805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7867118.stm |archive-date=7 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Queens Park Rangers===
On 13 March 2009, Taarabt joined [[EFL Championship|Championship]] club [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] on loan until the end of the [[2008–09 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2008–09 season]].<ref name="QPR complete Taarabt loan swoop">{{cite news |title=QPR complete Taarabt loan swoop |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7942570.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=13 March 2009 |access-date=14 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316054224/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7942570.stm |archive-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his first goal for QPR in a 2–1 win over [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7937228.stm |title=QPR 2–1 Bristol City |date=21 March 2009 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=23 March 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090323062858/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7937228.stm| archive-date=23 March 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> His loan spell was cut short after he suffered a knee injury which required surgery.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/5234731/Adel-Taarabt-returns-to-Tottenham-from-QPR-loan-needing-knee-surgery.html |title=Adel Taarabt returns to Tottenham from QPR loan needing knee surgery |date=28 April 2009 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=1 May 2009 |location=London |first=John |last=Ley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502005159/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/5234731/Adel-Taarabt-returns-to-Tottenham-from-QPR-loan-needing-knee-surgery.html| archive-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 23 July 2009, Taarabt rejoined QPR on a season-long loan for the [[2009–10 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8164742.stm |title=Taarabt seals Loftus Road return |website=BBC Sport |date=23 July 2009 |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref> On 1 October, Taarabt scored a "wonder strike" in a match against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]]. He collected the ball on his chest inside the QPR half, dribbled 20 yards past three players and curled in a shot from 25 yards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/qpr-vs-preston/110428|title = Taarabt stars in Rangers romp}}</ref>

Tottenham confirmed in October 2009 that Taarabt could stay at QPR for the season providing that a Premier League club did not make a bid for him in the January transfer window.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.londoninformer.co.uk/london-sport/allsport/2009/10/22/qpr-relieved-after-spurs-confirm-loan-agreement-113489-24992174/ |title=QPR relieved after Spurs confirm Taarabt loan agreement |last=Warburton |first=Paul |date=22 October 2009 |newspaper=London Informer |access-date=25 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026173234/http://www.londoninformer.co.uk/london-sport/allsport/2009/10/22/qpr-relieved-after-spurs-confirm-loan-agreement-113489-24992174/ |archive-date=26 October 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> QPR were unable to make the transfer permanent because they could not afford the £4.5&nbsp;million valuation placed on Taarabt by Spurs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Preston-2-2-QPR-Billy-Jones-left-fuming-as-Adel-Taarabt-makes-slack-hosts-pay-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-article371643.html |title=Preston 2–2 QPR: The Daily Mirror match report |last=Butler |first=Jeremy |date=29 March 2010 |newspaper=Daily Mirror |access-date=4 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015134422/http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Preston-2-2-QPR-Billy-Jones-left-fuming-as-Adel-Taarabt-makes-slack-hosts-pay-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-article371643.html |archive-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2010, Taarabt was quoted in an interview as being sorry he had signed for Tottenham, saying, "The big mistake was to sign for Tottenham and not go to another club when I first came over." He stated he wished he had signed for [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] instead but had opted for Spurs after [[Damien Comolli]] moved from being a scout at Arsenal to [[director of football]] at Spurs. He said he felt he would have been given more chances to play at Arsenal and was advised at the time not to sign for Spurs by his friends [[Armand Traoré]] and [[Abou Diaby]], who played for Arsenal.<ref name="Bennett">{{cite news |last=Bennett |first=Julian |title=Adel Taarabt's parting shot to Tottenham: I wish I had joined Arsenal |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23816396-adel-taarabts-parting-shot-to-tottenham-i-wish-i-had-joined-arsenal.do |newspaper=Evening Standard |date=18 March 2010 |access-date=14 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516062852/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23816396-adel-taarabts-parting-shot-to-tottenham-i-wish-i-had-joined-arsenal.do |archive-date=16 May 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Taarabt went on to state his intention to sign for one of the top clubs in Spain: "I hope to be playing for one of the top four in Spain next season – [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]], [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] or [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]]. I have contact with good teams and I know that they want me. Now I just have to hope they can agree a deal with Tottenham."<ref name="Bennett"/>

On 5 August 2010, Taarabt signed a three-year contract with QPR for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8888787.stm |title=Football – Queens Park Rangers sign Adel Taarabt from Tottenham |website=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=5 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812035627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8888787.stm |archive-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2011, Taarabt was interviewed by the ''[[Evening Standard]]'' in which he said, "The man who took me to Tottenham was Damien Comolli. He was at Arsenal then. But, when I was going to go to Arsenal, he moved to Tottenham. He told me: 'Come to Tottenham. We want to do like they do at Arsenal and take the best young players in the world. You're going to have a better chance there.' I believed him. This was a mistake and I regret it. Tottenham tried to do it like Arsenal but it's a different culture. I would have had a better chance at Arsenal. I would progress with [[Arsène Wenger]]. He is a legend in France, one of the best managers in the world."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/interviews/article-23917269-neil-warnocks-like-a-dad---im-desperate-to-get-qpr-promoted-says-adel-taarabt.do |title=Neil Warnock's like a dad – I'm desperate to get QPR promoted, says Adel Taarabt |first=Mihir |last=Bose |work=Evening Standard |date=26 January 2011 |access-date=26 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128222824/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/interviews/article-23917269-neil-warnocks-like-a-dad---im-desperate-to-get-qpr-promoted-says-adel-taarabt.do |archive-date=28 January 2011 }}</ref>

====2010–11 season====
Taarabt was to make his debut as a full QPR player, as the club signed the Moroccan for a reported £1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 August 2010|title=Adel Taarabt completes switch to QPR from Tottenham|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/05/adel-taarabt-switch-qpr-tottenham|access-date=16 June 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> The contract stipulated that Tottenham would receive 40% of any future transfer profit, in addition to the payments already made. His move was proved to be one of the bargains of the season as Taarabt scored 19 goals in 44 league appearances that season for the West London club. With his unpredictable skill and reputation for never giving the opposition defence an easy 90 minutes, Taarabt went on to win the Championship Player of the Year award and gained a place in the Championship's best XI, which also featured teammate [[Paddy Kenny]].

In March 2011, Taarabt missed two matches when he returned to France for family matters as one of his cousins had been killed. In the return fixture, Morocco manager [[Erik Gerets]] opted to drop Taarabt to the substitutes' bench. Taarabt decided to not turn up to the international fixture and vowed to never play for his country again. However, several months later, Taarabt wanted to play for Morocco again, which Gerets reluctantly allowed, but said that if Taarabt acted irrationally again, he would not play for his country while he was in charge.

Some notable moments during the season were against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] (an away 2–2 draw), where Taarabt picked up a brace, scoring a wonder goal in the process. During the home match against the same opposition, Taarabt scored the winner which took QPR back to the top of the Championship.

====2011–12 season====
[[File:Adel Taarabt.jpg|thumb|upright|Taarabt playing for [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] in 2011]]

The [[2011–12 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2011–12 season]] marked Taarabt's first real foray into the Premier League, for although having been featured in English football's highest tier as a Tottenham player, he had never made a breakthrough into the Spurs' starting XI. The start of the season held much optimism for both QPR and Taarabt, yet this soon gave way to speculation that he would move away, and his name was associated with the likes of [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]] and [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]].<ref>{{cite news |title=QPR's Adel Taarabt admits to Paris Saint-Germain talks |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14235989.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206125057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14235989.stm |archive-date=6 December 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was coupled with the arrival of [[Joey Barton]] in the August transfer window, who was immediately installed as captain, taking the role from Taarabt.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/12/2662802/joey-barton-named-new-qpr-captain| title = Joey Barton named new QPR captain {{!}} Goal.com}}</ref>

These factors had the unfortunate effect of unsettling Taarabt and he was unable to recreate his form from the previous season. By early November, he had taken over 20 shots yet scored zero goals.<ref>{{cite news |title=STATS – PREMIER LEAGUE'S 10 WORST FINISHERS: NANI, CARROLL, DOWNING, BALE, TOURE, JOHNSON AND MORE |url=http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/top-ten/2011-11-22/stats-premier-leagues-10-worst-finishers-nani-carroll-downing-bale-toure-johnson-and-more |publisher=Talk Sport |date=22 November 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314212115/http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/top-ten/2011-11-22/stats-premier-leagues-10-worst-finishers-nani-carroll-downing-bale-toure-johnson-and-more |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Prior to this, he had often let his temper get the better of him. During the 6–0 loss away to [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] on 2 October, he was substituted at half-time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15051267.stm|title = Fulham 6-0 QPR|date = 2 October 2011}}</ref> His attitude provoked criticism from his teammates, with Joey Barton being particularly vocal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/16/neil-warnock-joey-barton-adel-taarabt |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Paul |last=Doyle |title=Neil Warnock demands unity as Joey Barton criticises Adel Taarabt |date=16 October 2011 |access-date=10 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308201015/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/16/neil-warnock-joey-barton-adel-taarabt |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Taarabt was again substituted at half-time for a poor showing in the 3–1 defeat at Tottenham and was subsequently omitted from the side for the matches against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]. During this period, continued speculation linked him with PSG, and QPR manager [[Neil Warnock]] even admitted he would gladly accept an offer for Taarabt if the right one came along.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/nov/18/qpr-neil-warnock-adel-taarabt?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |location=London |work=The Guardian |title=QPR's Neil Warnock open to £20m Paris St Germain bid for Adel Taarabt |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=10 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314114712/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/nov/18/qpr-neil-warnock-adel-taarabt?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Adel was considered the best Arab player of 2011 for the Argélia Le Buteur newspaper.<ref>((cite {{cite web| url = https://www.zerozero.pt/news.php?id=53959#comments))| title = Marroquino Taarabt eleito melhor jogador Arabe de 2011 :: zerozero.pt}}</ref>

Taarabt went on international duty and also had some minor injuries which also saw him left out of the side at this stage. Warnock was highly critical of the player's agents during this period and laid much of the blame for him being unsettled at their feet. He advised him to rethink the advice they had given him and said, "They won't make him better and I think it is a shame. Adel can always make money but he is better than that. I will be sad if he ends up going to make some money because I think he has great ability."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16008081.stm |website=BBC Sport |title=Warnock warns Taarabt on advisors |date=2 December 2011 |access-date=31 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222025857/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16008081.stm |archive-date=22 December 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Still left out of the side throughout most of November, subsequent injuries to his teammates saw a recall, however, and he was commended for his performance in the 2–0 loss to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] on 18 December. He sustained this level of improved performance against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] and [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]. On 31 March, Taarabt scored the first goal in QPR's victory over Arsenal, and was also voted [[Man of the match#Association football|Man of the Match]]. Taarabt followed up his goal against Arsenal by scoring a long-range free-kick, the winning goal in a victory over his former club Tottenham on 21 April. He was also shown his first red card in English football in the same match for a second bookable offence.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17711820 |title=QPR 1–0 Tottenham |author=Phil McNulty |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829145311/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17711820 |archive-date=29 August 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2012–13 season====
On 11 July 2012, Taarabt signed a new three-year contract with QPR, keeping him at the club until June 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2837404,00.html |title=QPR &#124; News &#124; Latest &#124; Latest &#124; EXCLUSIVE: TAARABT PENS NEW DEAL |access-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713223024/http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10373~2837404%2C00.html |archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref> On 1 October 2012, he scored his first goal of the [[2012–13 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|season]] against West Ham United with a dipping long-range shot after dribbling past two players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/queens-park-rangers/9579678/Queens-Park-Rangers-1-West-Ham-United-2-match-report.html|title=Queens Park Rangers 1 West Ham United 2: match report|date=1 October 2012|work=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512051000/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/queens-park-rangers/9579678/Queens-Park-Rangers-1-West-Ham-United-2-match-report.html|archive-date=12 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his second goal in three matches with an emphatic volley away against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] on 6 October.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19776317 |title=West Brom 3–2 QPR |author=John Stanton |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221122226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19776317 |archive-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 December, he scored both goals in QPR's first victory of the 2012–13 season, a 2–1 win over West London rivals Fulham, the second with a mazy dribble ending with a finish on the outside of his foot. Manager Harry Redknapp praised Taarabt by stating, "It was one of the all-time great performances, I felt."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20744199 |title=QPR star Adel Taarabt can be a 'top, top player' – Harry Redknapp |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017044331/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20744199 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 January 2013, in QPR's second win of the season, a 1–0 away victory over rivals Chelsea, Taarabt was played in an unfamiliar striker position, gaining the Man of the Match award and assisting the only goal, described as "Pelé-esque".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-matchpack-chelsea-v-qpr-135748772.html |title=Premier League – Wright-Phillips gives QPR shock win at Chelsea |date=2 January 2013 |work=Yahoo Eurosport UK |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111074111/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-matchpack-chelsea-v-qpr-135748772.html |archive-date=11 January 2013 }}</ref>

===Fulham (loan)===
Taarabt joined Premier League side Fulham on a [[2013–14 Fulham F.C. season|season]]-long loan on 7 August 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23577399 |title=Adel Taarabt: Fulham sign QPR midfielder on loan |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2013 |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807045346/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23577399 |archive-date=7 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his Fulham debut in an away match against Sunderland, where he played the full 90 minutes. He scored his first goal for the club against [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] in the [[2013–14 Football League Cup|League Cup]] on 27 August 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764151 |title=Burton 2–2 Fulham |website=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=27 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827220759/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764151 |archive-date=27 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===AC Milan (loan)===
On 30 January 2014, Taarabt signed for [[AC Milan]] until the end of the [[2013–14 AC Milan season|season]], demonstrating the ''Rossoneri'''s renewed ambition on the transfer market.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25939582 |title=Transfer window: Adel Taarabt completes QPR to AC Milan move |website=BBC Sport |date=30 January 2014 |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130132828/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25939582 |archive-date=30 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his first goal for Milan eight minutes into his debut, against [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]], having tackled the ball in his own half and dribbling halfway across the pitch to score from outside the box in a 3–1 loss.<ref>{{cite web |title=SSC Napoli 3 AC Milan 1 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/02/08/italy/serie-a/ssc-napoli/ac-milan/1551891/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209023816/http://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/02/08/italy/serie-a/ssc-napoli/ac-milan/1551891/ |archive-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 19 February, he made his debut in the [[UEFA Champions League]], in the first leg of the round of 16 in a 1–0 loss at the [[San Siro]] against [[Atlético Madrid]].

===Return to QPR ===
In the [[List of English football transfers summer 2014|2014 summer season]], Taarabt returned from his loan spells back to QPR, but after starting in the [[2014–15 Football League Cup|League Cup]] match against Burton Albion on 27 August,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28862776|title=Burton Albion 1–0 QPR|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924211411/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28862776|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> only came on as a substitute in the away match against West Ham.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29398822|title=West Ham United 2–0 Queens Park Rangers|author=Neil Johnston|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924212839/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29398822|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Responding to a journalist's question, QPR manager Harry Redknapp stated after his team's home defeat against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29586620 |title=Queens Park Rangers 2–3 Liverpool |author=Jonathan Jurejko |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019094134/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29586620 |archive-date=19 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Taarabt is not injured. He's not fit. He's not fit to play football unfortunately. He played in a reserve game the other day and I could have run about more than he did. I can't pick him."<ref name=stone>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29683379|title=Adel Taarabt about three stone overweight – Harry Redknapp|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020094357/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29683379|archive-date=20 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Taarabt responded that Redknapp was "making excuses because QPR are losing games", adding, "[M]aybe he expects me to make more [[Sliding tackle|tackle]]s. I am not this type of player."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/20/adel-taarabt-harry-redknapp-qpr-scapegoat |title=Adel Taarabt accuses Harry Redknapp of making him QPR scapegoat |work=The Guardian |date=20 October 2014 |access-date=10 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329113012/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/20/adel-taarabt-harry-redknapp-qpr-scapegoat |archive-date=29 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Benfica===
On 12 June 2015, Taarabt signed a five-year contract with Portuguese champions [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] on €4 million transfer fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/noticias/detalhedenoticia/tabid/2788/ArticleId/42090/language/en-US/Benfica-sign-Adel-Taarabt-for-5-seasons.aspx|title=Benfica sign Adel Taarabt for 5 seasons|date=12 June 2015|website=S.L. Benfica|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702014643/http://www.slbenfica.pt/noticias/detalhedenoticia/tabid/2788/ArticleId/42090/language/en-US/Benfica-sign-Adel-Taarabt-for-5-seasons.aspx|archive-date=2 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/adel-taarabt-leaves-qpr-contract-terminated-2490895.aspx|title=Adel Taarabt leaves QPR after having contract terminated by mutual consent|date=12 June 2015|publisher=QPRFC|access-date=12 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612135325/http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/adel-taarabt-leaves-qpr-contract-terminated-2490895.aspx|archive-date=12 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=30 March 2019|title=Quatro anos depois, a estreia de Taarabt|trans-title=Four years later, Taarabt's debut|url=https://www.abola.pt/Clubes/Noticias/Ver/780914/40|url-status=dead|language=pt|work=A Bola|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403164443/https://www.abola.pt/Clubes/Noticias/Ver/780914/40|archive-date=3 April 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref> On 10 January 2017, he joined Italian club [[Genoa CFC|Genoa]] on a loan deal until June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://genoacfc.it/notizie/il-genoa-batte-un-colpo-ecco-taarabt/|title=IL GENOA BATTE UN COLPO, ECCO TAARABT « Genoa CFC – Official Website|access-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110191315/http://genoacfc.it/notizie/il-genoa-batte-un-colpo-ecco-taarabt/|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After seven months with Benfica's [[S.L. Benfica B|reserve team]], Taarabt returned to the first-team in February 2019,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47332644|title=Adel Taarabt: Benfica confirm Moroccan's return to first-team training|date=22 February 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=22 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222155441/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47332644|archive-date=22 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> making his debut on 30 March 2019 as a 71st-minute substitute in a 1–0 home win over [[C.D. Tondela|Tondela]] in [[Primeira Liga]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47764918|title=Adel Taarabt makes first Benfica outing after nearly four years|date=31 March 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401113236/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47764918|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[2019–20 S.L. Benfica season|2019–20 season]], Taarabt established himself as a regular starter for Benfica in an unfamiliar defensive midfield position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/feb/08/return-of-adel-taarabt-reinvented-himself-at-benfica-qpr|title=Return of Taarabt: how Adel reinvented himself at Benfica|date=8 February 2020|website=The Guardian|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> On 1 September 2022, Benfica announced the termination of his contract.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[A Bola]]|url=https://www.abola.pt/clubes/2022-09-02/benfica-oficial-taarabt-rescinde-contrato/955256/40|title=Taarabt rescinde contrato|date=1 September 2022|access-date=1 September 2022|language=pt}}</ref>

===Al-Nasr SC===
On 25 September 2022, Taarabt joined Emirati club [[Al-Nasr SC (Dubai)|Al-Nasr SC]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/done-deal-adel-taarabt-secures-move-to-al-nasr-after-benfica-exit-35907493 |title=DONE DEAL: Adel Taarabt secures move to Al-Nasr after Benfica exit |website=onefootball.com |date=25 September 2022 }}</ref> On 22 January 2025 he left Al-Nasr SC after his contract was ended by mutual consent.<ref>https://x.com/ALNasrSC/status/1882115076016271567</ref>

===Sharjah FC===
On 27 January 2025, Taarabt joined Emirati club [[Sharjah FC| Sharjah]].<ref>https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/01/367931/adel-taarabt-joins-sharjah-fc-in-free-transfer-deal</ref>

==International career==
[[File:Taarabt.JPG|thumb|upright|Taarabt playing for [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] in 2009]]

Taarabt represented France at under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=103893/profile/index.html|title=Adel Taarabt – UEFA.com|last=uefa.com|website=[[UEFA]]|language=en|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208213650/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=103893/profile/index.html|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> but opted to play for [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] at senior level, saying, "I felt the time was right when I was given this opportunity".<ref name="taarabtmorocco">{{cite news |title=International ambition |url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/internationalambition160209.html |publisher=Tottenham Hotspur F.C. |date=17 February 2009 |access-date=16 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218011418/http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/internationalambition160209.html |archive-date=18 February 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 February 2009, he played his first international match with Morocco in a friendly against [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] in [[Casablanca]].<ref name="Morocco and Czech Republic draw 0-0 in friendly">{{cite news |title=Morocco and Czech Republic draw 0–0 in friendly |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-02-11-1343084913_x.htm |newspaper=USA Today |date=11 February 2009 |access-date=13 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317120532/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-02-11-1343084913_x.htm |archive-date=17 March 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also made an appearance on 29 March during Morocco's [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|qualifier]] 2–1 defeat against [[Gabon national football team|Gabon]].

Taarabt scored his first international goal on his first start on 31 March 2009 in a friendly 2–0 victory over [[Angola national football team|Angola]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/internationalroundup010409.html |title=International round-up |publisher=Tottenham Hotspur F.C. |date=1 April 2009 |access-date=29 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404042943/http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/internationalroundup010409.html |archive-date=4 April 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 September 2009, he scored his first goal in a competitive international match against [[Togo national football team|Togo]] in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - CAF third round|2010 World Cup qualification]] after he broke through the opposing defence in stoppage time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-09-06-615392553_x.htm |title=Togo and Morocco draw 1–1 in World Cup qualifier |work=USA Today |date=6 September 2010 |access-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628225419/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-09-06-615392553_x.htm |archive-date=28 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 3 June 2011, Taarabt decided to end his international career the day after being dropped to the bench for an [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations|Africa Cup of Nations]] [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification|qualifier]] against [[Algeria national football team|Algeria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Angry Taarabt storms out of Morocco camp |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13648196.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2011 |access-date=3 June 2011}}</ref> He reneged on that decision, returning on 9 October 2011 for their last qualifier against [[Tanzania national football team|Tanzania]]. Taarabt scored a free-kick that would end up being the winning goal and sealing Morocco's qualification. He made two substitute appearances in a [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group C|group stage exit]].

Taarabt was omitted from Morocco's squad for the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]] by head coach [[Rachid Taoussi]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20843956 |title=Africa Cup of Nations: Adel Taarabt out of Morocco squad |date=26 December 2012 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231142441/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20843956 |archive-date=31 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After five years without making an international appearance, Taarabt was recalled to the national squad in September 2019. He made his return as a substitute in a friendly match against [[Burkina Faso national football team|Burkina Faso]] on 6 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slbenfica.pt/en-us/agora/noticias/2019/09/06/futebol-selecoes-amigavel-marrocos-burkina-faso-adel-taarabt|title=TAARABT IS BACK TO THE NATIONAL TEAM AFTER 5 YEARS!|date=6 September 2019|website=SL Benfica|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> Four days later, he was selected to start against [[Niger national football team|Niger]] and assisted the only goal of the match for midfield partner [[Walid El Karti]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slbenfica.pt/en-us/agora/noticias/2019/09/11/futebol-benfica-taarabt-titular-fez-assistencia-na-vitoria-da-selecao-de-marrocos|title=CAPTAIN TAARABT SHINES IN MOROCCO'S NATIONAL TEAM|date=11 September 2019|website=SL Benfica|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Taarabt is a [[Muslim]] and stated in an interview in June 2010 that this religion has had a significant impact on his life as a footballer:

<blockquote>"Being a Muslim has had a big impact on my professional life. As Muslims, we don't drink alcohol, we don't smoke, so essentially we've become healthier, more professional footballers because of our lifestyle. Before every game, I perform [[salat]]. Without it, I just don't feel confident. I make sure I pray after a match, too – to give thanks and be grateful for the stamina and strength God graced me with."<ref name=Emel>{{cite news |url=http://www.emel.com/article?id=73&a_id=2041 |title=Adel Taarabt |work=Emel |date=June 2010 |access-date=10 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122183847/http://emel.com/article?id=73&a_id=2041 |archive-date=22 November 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>

Taarabt credits his parents with keeping his religion in his life, and his father for encouraging him to play professional football.<ref name=Emel/>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{{updated|match played 31 March 2025}}<ref name="A. Taarabt">{{Soccerway|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Soccerbase|45969}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de France]], [[FA Cup]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[Taça de Portugal]], [[UAE President's Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de la Ligue]], [[Football League Cup]], [[Taça da Liga]], [[UAE League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|[[RC Lens|Lens]]
|[[2006–07 Ligue 1|2006–07]]
|[[Ligue 1]]
|1||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
|[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] (loan)
|[[2006–07 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2006–07]]
|[[Premier League]]
|2||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|rowspan="3"|Tottenham Hotspur
|[[2007–08 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2007–08]]
|Premier League
|6||0||1||0||0||0||3{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||10||0
|-
|[[2008–09 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2008–09]]
|Premier League
|1||0||1||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!9!!0!!2!!0!!1!!0!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!15!!0
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (loan)
|[[2008–09 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2008–09]]
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|7||1||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
|[[2009–10 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Championship
|41||7||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||7
|-
|rowspan="5"|Queens Park Rangers
|[[2010–11 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2010–11]]
|Championship
|44||19||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||19
|-
|[[2011–12 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2011–12]]
|Premier League
|27||2||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||28||2
|-
|[[2012–13 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2012–13]]
|Premier League
|31||5||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||5
|-
|[[2014–15 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season|2014–15]]
|Premier League
|7||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!157!!34!!3!!0!!4!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!164!!34
|-
|[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] (loan)
|[[2013–14 Fulham F.C. season|2013–14]]
|Premier League
|12||0||1||0||3||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||1
|-
|[[AC Milan]] (loan)
|[[2013–14 AC Milan season|2013–14]]
|[[Serie A]]
|14||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||16||4
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]]
|[[2015–16 S.L. Benfica season|2015–16]]
|[[Primeira Liga]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
|[[2018–19 S.L. Benfica season|2018–19]]
|Primeira Liga
|6||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7||0
|-
|[[2019–20 S.L. Benfica season|2019–20]]
|Primeira Liga
|24||1||5||0||2||0||6{{efn|Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||0||1{{efn|name=SCO|Appearance in [[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]}}||0||38||1
|-
|[[2020–21 S.L. Benfica season|2020–21]]
|Primeira Liga
|26||0||6||0||2||0||7{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Champions League, six appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||1{{efn|name=SCO}}||0||42||0
|-
|[[2021–22 S.L. Benfica season|2021–22]]
|Primeira Liga
|23||1||3||0||3||0||13{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!79!!2!!15!!0!!7!!0!!26!!0!!2!!0!!129!!2
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[S.L. Benfica B|Benfica B]]
|[[2015–16 LigaPro|2015–16]]
|[[LigaPro]]
|7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1
|-
|[[2018–19 LigaPro|2018–19]]
|LigaPro
|3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!10!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!10!!1
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Genoa CFC|Genoa]] (loan)
|[[2016–17 Genoa CFC season|2016–17]]
|Serie A
|6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|[[2017–18 Genoa CFC season|2017–18]]
||Serie A
|22||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!28!!2!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!29!!2
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Al-Nasr SC (Dubai)|Al-Nasr]]
|[[2022–23 UAE Pro League|2022–23]]
|[[UAE Pro League]]
|22||6||2||1||6||4||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||30||11
|-
|[[2023–24 UAE Pro League|2023–24]]
|UAE Pro League
|22||8||4||4||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||29||12
|-
|[[2024–25 UAE Pro League|2024–25]]
|UAE Pro League
|11||7||1||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|Appearances in [[AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League]]}}||3||19||11
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!55!!21!!7!!5!!13!!5!!colspan="2"|—!!3!!3!!78!!34
|-
|[[Sharjah FC| Sharjah]]
|[[2024–25 UAE Pro League|2024–25]]
|UAE Pro League
|5||0||0||0||2||0||4{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Champions League Two]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||11||0
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!369!!65!!29!!5!!30!!5!!35!!0!!5!!3!!468!!78
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{{updated|match played 1 June 2022}}<ref>{{NFT player|29845|access-date=16 October 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="14"|[[Morocco national football team|Morocco]]
|2009||7||3
|-
|2010||1||0
|-
|2011||5||1
|-
|2012||3||0
|-
|2013||1||0
|-
|2014||1||0
|-
|2019||5||0
|-
|2020||2||0
|-
|2021||4||0
|-
|2022||1||0
|-
!colspan="1"|Total!!30!!4
|}

==Honours==
'''Tottenham Hotspur'''
*[[EFL Cup]]: [[2007–08 Football League Cup|2007–08]]; runner-up: [[2008–09 Football League Cup|2008–09]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7905889.stm |title=Man Utd 0–0 Tottenham (aet) |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2009 |access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref>

'''Queens Park Rangers'''
*[[EFL Championship]]: [[2010–11 Football League Championship|2010–11]]<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=Glenda |editor1-last=Rollin |editor2-first=Jack |editor2-last=Rollin |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2011–2012 |year=2011 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7553-6231-8 |pages=38, 314–315}}</ref>

'''Benfica'''
*[[Primeira Liga]]: [[2018–19 Primeira Liga|2018–19]]<ref name="A. Taarabt"/>
*[[Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira]]: [[2019 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira|2019]]<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/08/04/portugal/super-cup/benfica/sporting-clube-de-portugal/3024399/ Benfica 5–0 Sporting Lisbon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730062844/https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/08/04/portugal/super-cup/benfica/sporting-clube-de-portugal/3024399/ |date=30 July 2019 }} Soccerway</ref>
*[[Taça de Portugal]] runner-up: [[2019–20 Taça de Portugal|2019–20]], [[2020–21 Taça de Portugal|2020–21]] 

'''Sharjah'''
*[[AFC Champions League Two]]: [[2024–25 AFC Champions League Two|2024–25]]

'''Individual'''
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[PFA Team of the Year (2010s)#Championship 2|2010–11 Championship]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13110874 |title=Spurs' Gareth Bale wins PFA player of the year award |website=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804200733/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13110874 |archive-date=4 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Football League Championship Player of the Month|EFL Championship Player of the Month]]: August 2010<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8984819.stm |title=QPR's Neil Warnock & Adel Taarabt scoop top awards |website=BBC Sport |date=9 September 2010 |access-date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912041926/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8984819.stm |archive-date=12 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*EFL Championship Player of the Year: 2010–11<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9431137.stm |title=Taarabt wins player of year award |website=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827175838/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9431137.stm |archive-date=27 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*EFL Championship Top assist provider: 2010–11<ref>{{cite web | url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/10/2010-2011/2010-2011-Championship-Stats | title=2010-2011 Championship Stats }}</ref>
*[[UAE President's Cup]] Top scorer: [[2023–24 UAE President's Cup|2023–24]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flashscore.com/football/united-arab-emirates/presidents-cup/#/0YMlqiSM/draw | title=Presidents Cup 2023/2024 live scores, results, Football United Arab Emirates - Flashscore }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Premier League player}}
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{ForaDeJogo}}
* {{LFP}}
* {{NFT player}}

{{Sharjah FC squad}}
{{Morocco Squad 2012 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 = 
{{UAE President's Cup top scorers}}
{{2010–11 Football League Championship Team of the Year}}
{{Football League Championship Player of the Year}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taarabt, Adel}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Bouches-du-Rhône]]
[[Category:Footballers from Fez, Morocco]]
[[Category:Moroccan men's footballers]]
[[Category:21st-century Moroccan sportsmen]]
[[Category:Morocco men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of France]]
[[Category:French men's footballers]]
[[Category:France men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
[[Category:RC Lens players]]
[[Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players]]
[[Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Fulham F.C. players]]
[[Category:AC Milan players]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica B players]]
[[Category:S.L. Benfica footballers]]
[[Category:Genoa CFC players]]
[[Category:Al-Nasr SC (Dubai) players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Liga Portugal 2 players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga players]]
[[Category:UAE Pro League players]]
[[Category:2012 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
[[Category:Moroccan expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Moroccan expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Moroccan expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Moroccan expatriate sportspeople in Portugal]]
[[Category:Moroccan expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:French sportspeople of Moroccan descent]]
[[Category:Moroccan Muslims]]
[[Category:21st-century French sportsmen]]