Marrakech – Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Rayane Bounida has informed the Belgian Football Association that he wants to represent Morocco at the international level, according to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, born in Vilvoorde, Belgium, to Moroccan parents, was notably absent from Belgium’s under-21 squad announced on Friday. His decision ends months of deliberation over his international future.
The Belgian federation made several attempts to retain the player. Under-21 coach Gill Swerts and sports director Vincent Mannaert held multiple meetings with Bounida and his entourage in recent months. Both officials laid out the federation’s sporting project for the coming years. No promises or guarantees were made during those discussions, Het Laatste Nieuws reported.
Bounida ultimately told the federation that his heart lies with Morocco and that he wishes to be selected for the Atlas Lions going forward. The Belgian FA acknowledged the decision. It said it regretted the choice but respected it, adding that it remained committed to its policy of not engaging in sporting guarantees or financial bidding wars.
The move had been anticipated for some time. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported earlier this year that Bounida had internally signaled his preference for Morocco. Earlier this week, fans noticed that Bounida had unfollowed the Belgian national team’s Instagram account while continuing to follow the Moroccan federation.
Read also: Ajax Extends Rayane Bounida’s Contract Until 2028
Bounida came through the RSC Anderlecht academy before joining Ajax in 2022 at age 16. He represented Belgium across all youth levels from the under-16s to the under-21s, earning 41 caps. He made two appearances for Belgium’s under-21 side last year.
This season marked his breakthrough at Ajax. He has made 23 appearances across all competitions, registering two goals and eight assists. His Champions League debut came in November 2025 against Benfica.
Bounida is the latest in a line of dual-nationality talents Belgium has lost. Konstantinos Karetsas chose Greece, while Chemsdine Talbi also opted for Morocco. On the other hand, Diego Moreira switched back from Portugal to Belgium, and both Malick Fofana and Jorthy Mokio chose the Red Devils.
Bounida’s Ajax teammate Mika Godts was also called up by Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.
