Chamakh, who was born in Tonnens, France, decided to represent Morocco instead, making his debut in 2003 and scoring 11 times in 28 internationals for the Atlas Lions so far.

In 2002, the 23-year-old was promoted by Ellie Baup from Bordeaux B to Girondins Bordeaux, where he managed to establish his place as a main figure of the French side's frontline.

The Bordeaux youth academy graduate will often be remembered for his last-gasp equalizer for Morocco against Algeria in the CAN 2004 quarter-finals tie, which the Moroccans won 3-1 after extra-time.