Since Morocco’s impressive showing at the 2022 World Cup and its subsequent bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the number of young football players who are deciding to represent Morocco has been increasing, according to FootBoom1. In 2024, 9.4% of the players called up by Moroccan coach Walid Regragui were under 21, with 31.7% aged between 22 and 25.
The trend began when Regragui made a surprise move during the 2022 World Cup, calling up 18-year-old Bilal El Khanouss, a player who had previously represented various Belgian national teams.
Born in Strombeek-Bever in Flanders, El Khanouss, despite his youth, quickly became a mainstay on Morocco’s senior team. “I played for Belgium at U15, U16, U17, and U18 levels, but I chose Morocco because I followed my heart,” he told The 360 shortly after his unexpected call-up.
Eliesse Ben Seghir, another young talent, followed suit at just 19, choosing Morocco despite his promising future in French football. Ben Seghir had represented France in five youth categories, but Morocco was always his priority.
This reflects a trend of dual-national players opting for the Atlas Lions, including Youssef Lekhedim (Yusi), Chadi Riad, and Amir Richardson, to name a few, all of whom made early commitments to Morocco’s national team.
Ibrahim Salah, a 23-year-old winger from Stade Brestois, could have represented Belgium but chose Morocco. Salah, who was part of the team that won Morocco’s first-ever U23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, describes his decision as one that came from the heart.
“It was always Morocco in my mind. I have always been a fan,” he said. His decision stemmed from his connection to Morocco, the country of his ancestors, and his pride in being Moroccan, despite offers from Belgium.
Other African countries are experiencing a similar youth-driven football revolution, with teams increasingly attracting players who could have chosen European nations. Seydou Sané, a representative from the Senegalese Football Federation, notes that heightened competence in African football and the absence of complex racial issues in African nations is motivating players to return to their roots and contribute to their home countries’ development. Morocco, in particular, is benefitting from this growing enthusiasm, with 18 of its players born abroad now making significant contributions to the team.
Jamal Fawzi, an expert in Moroccan football, said that the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has played a strategic role from a young age.
Under the leadership of Fouzi Lekjaa, the FRMF has developed a talent scouting and recruitment system that reaches players born abroad, while fostering strong relationships with their families. This approach has proven effective in securing young players for the national team, creating a sense of belonging that resonates with dual-national athletes.