Chelsea’s rising star Ibrahim Rabbaj has officially committed his international future to Morocco, turning down England’s advances in favor of representing the North African nation.
The 15-year-old, born in 2009, made the decisive choice despite efforts from the English Football Association to secure his allegiance.
Rabbaj, widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s brightest prospects, has opted to follow his roots, pledging to play for the Atlas Lions.
His decision is seen as a significant boost for Moroccan football, which continues to strengthen its youth ranks by attracting talents from top European academies.
The young midfielder will make his debut for Morocco at the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Morocco next month.
His inclusion is expected to bolster the squad’s chances in the tournament and adds another layer of quality to an already competitive team.
“Choosing Morocco felt natural to me. It’s my heritage, my family’s roots, and I’m proud to represent my country,” Rabbaj reportedly told close sources following his decision.
The Moroccan Football Federation has been increasingly proactive in recruiting dual-nationality players from European clubs, a strategy that has paid dividends in recent years.
Rabbaj’s commitment is the latest example of Morocco’s growing appeal to young talents with African heritage, especially following the national team’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
For England, the loss of Rabbaj marks another missed opportunity to secure one of its foreign-born prospects.
The English FA had been monitoring his development closely, hoping to integrate him into their youth setup, but ultimately fell short in convincing the teenager to wear the Three Lions jersey.
Rabbaj’s decision mirrors that of several other players with dual nationality who have recently chosen to represent African nations over European ones, drawn by the chance to make an immediate impact on the international stage.
The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations will offer Rabbaj the perfect platform to showcase his talent on the continental stage.
With his technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball, he is expected to be a key figure for Morocco throughout the tournament.
For Morocco, securing Rabbaj’s services is not just about short-term success but also investing in the future of the national team.
His development at Chelsea provides him with high-level experience, which could be invaluable to Morocco in the years ahead.
As the countdown to the U-17 AFCON begins, all eyes will be on Rabbaj to see how he adapts to international football.
His journey with Morocco is just beginning, but his choice already highlights the growing influence of African nations in attracting top talents from elite European clubs.
