After winning the bronze medal with Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Genk’s versatile full-back, Zakaria El Ouahdi, would have opened the door to Belgium, who covets him.
What if Zakaria El Ouahdi never played in the A selection with Morocco? The question might have made you smile a few weeks ago, but it is now being asked with insistence. Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, the Genk right-back very quickly opted for Moroccowhose colors he wore 14 times in U23. Last summer, the Antwerp native even took part in the 2024 Olympics with the Atlas Lion Cubs. As a starter in the left lane, the versatile 22-year-old player has established himself as a key link in Tarik Sektioui’s eleven in the conquest of the bronze medal.
As a reward, Walid Regragui offered him a first call-up with the A in September, without however bringing him into play and without calling him back since. El Ouahdi would have had a bad experience with this episode, so much so that he would now consider changing his sporting nationality and letting himself be tempted by Belgium, which covets him. It must be said that he is having a good season at club and has notably sparked interest in Benfica.
Domenico Tedesco confirms “the option“El Ouahdi
Present this Friday at a press conference to unveil his list of players selected against Italy and Israel in the Nations League, the coach of the Red Devils, Domenico Tedesco, made remarks which will not reassure Moroccan fans.
« Zakaria El Ouahdi? We are examining the option, just like with Mile Svilar (Serbian international of Belgian origin, editor’s note). The official response always takes a little time. Although we cannot forget that our places are also limited », Slipped the technician.
Less competition in Belgium?
These words seem to implicitly confirm that El Ouahdi has indeed opened the door to his native country. With the presence of Achraf Hakimi on the right and Noussair Mazraoui on the left, it is true that places are expensive with Morocco. This is perhaps less the case with Belgium where Thomas Meunier is aging (33 years old) and Timothy Castagne is in difficulty at club. Opportunities could therefore present themselves in the medium term.
In the meantime, sometimes virulent reactions are already emerging on social networks against the Genk player, who will quickly have to clarify his position…
Morocco
