Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Zakaria El Ouahdi, born in Europe but with Moroccan origins, could all three appear with Morocco in 2025. But their situation, between early, late choice, or even indecision, is anything but settled.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Little)
At only 17 years old, the young Lille player is extremely coveted. Born in Senlis, in Francehe rose through the ranks in the French youth teams, joining the Bleuets from the U16 level and recently being called up to the Espoirs in November. However, its international future could swing in favor of Morocco. Having become an indisputable starter at LOSC, the midfielder has played 18 matches this season, including five in the Champions League.
But, at the microphone of Radio MarsFaouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), recently showed confidence in his commitment to the Atlas Lions, making a big announcement on Bouaddi :
« We discussed extensively with Ayyoub, purely Moroccan. It is a Moroccan product, which has Moroccan culture. God willing, Morocco will be proud of its little one. And the little one will be proud to wear the colors of the national team. You don't even have to complicate your life (…) Ayyoub's family is 100% Moroccan, and they know our project very well. »
With a dual culture and a promising future, the teenager will surely have an important decision, he who has not yet had the call of Didier Deschamps to evolve with the A. He therefore has the choice between patience and work to reach the Blues, by continuing to play with the Espoirs, or Morocco, with whom he could more quickly have a place – at least temporary in view of the pool available to Walid Regragui in the midfield.
Neil El Aynaoui (RC Lens)
Neil El Aynaoui, Franco-Moroccan midfielder RC Lensis faced with a crucial choice regarding his international career after representing Morocco in U23. Although he was tipped to join the Atlas Lions during the international break in March, the 24-year-old preferred to take a “time to think” before committing definitively to Morocco. This hesitation sparked mixed reactions, with some Moroccan fans expressing disappointment at his indecision.
In response, the Moroccan coach, Walid Regragui, exerted some pressure on El Aynaouistating:
“At some point, we'll have to make decisions, if he doesn't make it, I'll make it for him, but we won't have to wait long.” The tough choice between France and Morocco still seems to weigh on his shoulders.
Zakaria El Ouahdi (KRC Genk)
The KRC Genk player is at the heart of a dilemma regarding his international future between Morocco and Belgium. Although he played in the 2024 Olympics with the Lion Cubs of the Atlas and was called up by Morocco in September 2024, he has not yet played an official match. At the end of November, he suggested that a possible selection with the Belgium would be flattering, opening the door to the Red Devils by declaring:
“Of course, hearing that I could be in the Belgian selection is something very beautiful too. (…) This would become a dilemma. »
These comments provoked mixed reactions among Moroccan supporters. Faced with criticism, El Ouahdi wanted to reaffirm his attachment to Morocco. In an interview he clarified:
“Am I still dreaming of a selection with Morocco? Yes, of course, of course. (…) Of course, Belgium is a beautiful country, but my heart is Moroccan. » These declarations seem to seal his choice in favor of Moroccan selection.
