Called once to the A selection with Morocco without playing, right back Zakaria El Ouahdi has faced numerous criticisms since he opened the door to the selection of Belgium, his native country.
“Of course, hearing that I could be in the Belgian selection is something very beautiful too. (…) This would become a dilemma (if he was called, editor’s note).” Until November, Zakaria El Ouahdi led the way to a possible change of sporting nationality in favor of Belgium, who is courting him and wants to steal him from Morocco.
This speech sparked a real outcry on social networks, with Moroccan supporters accusing the bronze medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games of treason. “Do I still dream of a selection with Morocco? Yes of course, of course“, however hastened to add in another excerpt, not broadcastthe young talent from Genk (22 ns), decisive passer this Sunday against Anderlecht (2-0) in the Belgian championship.
Strong words from Zakaria El Ouahdi on Morocco
The native of Antwerp recently took advantage of a cross interview with his father and agent Mohamed Acahbar for the media The Latest News in order to round the corners with the Morocco. Asked about the possibility of a summons with Belgium in March 2025, Father El Ouahdi initially evaded:
“That is not the question at present.”
Zakaria then added further details:
“Of course, Belgium is a beautiful country, but my heart is Moroccan.”
And his father Mohamed added: “and the blood too.”
After such an outing, the balance seems clearly to tip in favor of Morocco and this speech supports the thesis of the pressure put on the coach Walid Regragui by raising the specter of Belgium. Of course, it could also be a simple way to temporarily calm things down with the supporters of the Atlas Lions by giving him time to continue his reflection. Whatever happens, El Ouahdi will have to make a decisive choice in 2025, possibly as early as March.
Sports
