Rabat – Spanish media outlet Marca recently spoke of Morocco’s success in attracting six young players, either through nationality changes or by directly choosing to represent the national team over the past 13 days.
Marca attributes this success to Morocco’s comprehensive scouting and recruitment program, which was launched in 2010. Recruits have risen in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
The players who have signed on FIFA’s Nationality Change Platform include Rayane Bounida (Ajax, 2006) and Saif Eddien Lazar (Genk, 2006) who both have opted to leave Belgium and represent the Atlas Lions.
At the same time, Benjamin Khaderi (PSV, 2007), Ayoub Ouarghi (Feyenoord, 2008), Oualid Agougil (Utrecht, 2005), and Sami Bouhoudane (PSV, 2008) have chosen to switch from the Netherlands to Morocco.
Of these six young players, only one – Rayane Bounida – has so far secured a place in Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad for the friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Morocco is increasingly a priority pick for players in various European Leagues due to its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title, first place finish in the U20 World Cup and fourth-place finish in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The new players are considered as a major investment, as indicated in Marca: “They are mostly signings for the future, with an eye toward the cycle that will begin after the World Cup.”
Behind the strategy: Mohammed VI Academy
Mohammed VI Academy was launched by King Mohammed VI as part of a broader national strategy to shape Morocco’s football development. The academy was established to identify and nurture young Moroccan talents across the country, providing top-level training alongside formal education, and has seamlessly integrated in the success of Moroccan football.
The Mohammed VI Academy has produced top-tier players such as, Youssef En-Nesyri, Nayef Aguerd, Azzedine Ounahi and, more recently, Yassir Zabiri, who scored both goals against Argentina in the Under-20 World Cup final.
Due to the King’s vision, the academy has become a cornerstone in producing top-tier players and strengthening Morocco’s presence on the global stage.
