Rome – Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and his family were subjected to a terrifying ordeal early Tuesday morning when their home was invaded by six armed men. The incident, which occurred in the Castel Fusano district of Rome, has left the player and his family shaken, and casts a shadow over the club’s preparations for their upcoming Europa League match.
According to reports from Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the robbery took place around 3:00 AM local time. The intruders forced entry by breaking a window grate and subsequently restrained El Aynaoui, his mother, his partner, his brother, and his brother’s girlfriend, confining them to a single room. The perpetrators then proceeded to steal jewelry valued at approximately €10,000, a Rolex watch, and designer handbags.
Rising Concerns Over Player Security in Rome
This incident is not isolated. Reports indicate a recent increase in robberies targeting footballers in Rome, with players from both Roma and Lazio becoming victims. The Castel Fusano area, where many Roma players reside, has unfortunately seen a pattern of such crimes in recent months. Italian police are investigating the case, with the criminal brigade leading the inquiry.
El Aynaoui, 24, recently returned from international duty with Morocco, where he was a key player in their run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. He immediately informed the club of the incident. The club has confirmed that El Aynaoui was understandably absent from training Tuesday as he deals with the aftermath of the traumatic event.
Europa League Status Uncertain
The timing of the robbery raises concerns about El Aynaoui’s availability for Roma’s crucial Europa League round of 16 second leg match against Bologna on Thursday. While no official decision has been made, it is widely expected that the player will be excused from the match, given the circumstances. His absence would be a significant blow to coach Daniele De Rossi, who will need to assess his options in midfield.
El Aynaoui joined Roma in July 2025, signing a contract that runs through 2030. He has quickly become a fan favorite, known for his energetic play and technical skill. Prior to his move to Italy, El Aynaoui had a promising career as a tennis player, a path he ultimately chose to abandon to pursue his passion for football. He has spoken fondly of his admiration for Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta, even requesting the number 8 jersey in homage to the Barcelona icon.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by high-profile athletes and their families. Security measures for players in the region are likely to arrive under increased scrutiny following this latest incident. The focus now shifts to supporting El Aynaoui and his family as they recover from this frightening experience.
Roma will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift resolution to the investigation and a return to normalcy for their player. The club has yet to release an official statement beyond confirming El Aynaoui’s absence from training. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Next Up: Roma faces Bologna in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM EDT). The team will be looking to build on their first-leg advantage and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
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