Thiago Scuro, the general director of AS Monaco, has confirmed that the club will allow Moroccan sensation Eliesse Ben Seghir to participate in this summer’s Olympic Games if he is called up by the Moroccan U23 national team, the Lionceaux of Atlas. This announcement, made in an interview with L’Equipe, opens up a thrilling opportunity for the young star.
Ben Seghir, a 19-year-old prodigy, showcased his talent by scoring against FC Nantes in Monaco’s 4-0 victory on the final day of Ligue 1.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and the prospect of representing Morocco at the Paris Olympics is now within his grasp.
Although he has only recently started his international career with Morocco, earning two caps in March, Ben Seghir has yet to play for the Moroccan U23 team, having moved directly to the senior squad after switching his sporting nationality from France.
Before committing to Morocco, Ben Seghir was a prominent figure in the French youth system, playing up to the U19 level in 2023.
His transition to the Moroccan national team has been seamless, and he is poised to make a significant impact at the Olympics if selected.
Scuro also mentioned that another AS Monaco talent, Maghnes Akliouche, who has scored seven goals in Ligue 1 this season, will be available for the French Olympic team if summoned by U23 coach Thierry Henry.
Akliouche, courted by Algeria, has the potential to be a key player for France in the upcoming tournament.
In contrast, Brahim Diaz, another new addition to the Moroccan national team who earned his first two caps in March, is unlikely to participate in the Olympics.
Despite being 24 years old, just over the age limit for the U23 competition, Real Madrid has already informed the French Football Federation (FFF) that it will not release its players for the event, including those who were part of the Euro squad like Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and the soon-to-be Real Madrid player, Kylian Mbappé.
This decision suggests that Diaz will have to watch the Olympics from the sidelines unless a visit from Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to Paris leads to a change in the club’s stance.
However, any shift in policy would need to apply uniformly to all players, not just the French contingent.
As the 2024 Olympics approach, the anticipation builds for the Lionceaux of Atlas, who could benefit greatly from the inclusion of talents like Ben Seghir.
His participation would not only boost the team’s prospects but also provide a platform for the young star to shine on a global stage.
L’ AS Monaco, via son directeur général Thiago Scuro, a annoncé qu’il libérerait Maghnes Akliouche et Eliesse Ben Seghir pour les Jeux Olympiqueshttps://t.co/oTZZI7NnFk pic.twitter.com/aYSxIJYBhX
— Mino (@Minoskovic_) May 21, 2024
