Ismaël Bennacer, the talented AC Milan midfielder, could have been a symbol of Moroccan or even French football, but it was ultimately under the Algerian colors that he chose to shine.
Born in France to Moroccan and Algerian parents, his international career could have taken a completely different direction, if not for a crucial choice at the dawn of his career.
While he had represented France in the U18 and U19 categories, Ismaël Bennacer found himself in 2016, at the age of 18, having to face a decision with serious consequences: opting for Algeria or Morocco. An invitation from the neighboring country, Morocco, seemed close to convincing him, but a condition set by the player. This is the assurance of a place in the national A team immediately. This condition was rejected by officials.
It was practically a given that Bennacer would come and play for Morocco. He wanted me to tell him that he would be directly in the A team. I told him that he would integrate the team gradually, like Achraf Hakimi did. He refused and chose Algeria,” confided the former National Technical Director of Morocco, Nasser Larguet, in comments relayed by Afrik-Foot.
This request, perceived as unrealistic, led Bennacer to favor Algeria, where he found a place of choice in the team upon his arrival. A decisive turning point which would have disrupted the trajectory of his international career, but which seems to have proven fruitful, as evidenced by his central role in the victory at CAN 2019.
Morocco
