Moroccan football player Zakaria El Ouahdi has ended all speculation about his international future, reaffirming his commitment to Morocco’s Atlas Lions despite persistent interest from Belgium, according to CAFonline.com.
The 22-year-old right-back, who plays for Belgian club Genk, left no room for doubt in a recent interview with Belgian media. He refuted rumors of a possible switch to representing Belgium.
“Even if I am told that I am 100% sure of being a regular for the Red Devils and that in Morocco this chance is only 10%, I would have a hard time changing my mind. I made this choice with my heart,” El Ouahdi said.
El Ouahdi garnered widespread acclaim for his role in Morocco’s bronze-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and its team’s triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
The defender’s father, Mohamed, shared his son’s sentiments. “His heart and blood are Moroccan,” he said.
El Ouahdi would be a significant boost to Morocco’s national team as the TotalEnergies CAF 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, El Ouahdi received his first senior team call-up in August. Although he has not yet played in any matches, he repeatedly has said that he wants to become a key player for the Atlas Lions.