Ayoub Ouarghi, an 18-year-old midfielder from Feyenoord’s academy, has chosen to represent Morocco national football team instead of the Netherlands national football team.
The decision is part of a recent wave of Dutch-born players committing their international futures to Morocco.
Days earlier, Sami Bouhoudane, a striker at PSV Eindhoven, also switched allegiance to the Atlas Lions. Other prospects including Benjamin Khaderi, Aymean El Hani and Oualid Agougil have made similar choices.
Ouarghi had played for the Netherlands at youth level and is seen by Dutch analysts as one of the most promising players in Feyenoord’s academy.
He mainly plays as an attacking midfielder but can also operate on either wing. Coaches say he is known for his close control, passing vision and ability to create chances in the final third. He has also taken corners and free kicks at youth level.
Scouts say he is still developing physically and continues to work on the defensive side of his game.
Morocco has increased efforts in recent years to recruit dual-national players in Europe. The federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, has expanded scouting in the Benelux region with support from youth staff including Mohamed Ouahbi, the new head coach of Morocco’s national team.
Improved training facilities, including the Mohammed VI Football Academy, have also helped attract young players to the national programme.
Morocco’s run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup have further raised the team’s international profile.
Ouarghi is expected to join Morocco’s under-20 squad.
