Rayane Bounida has indicated his intention to represent Morocco at international level, a decision that could see Belgium lose one of its most highly rated young talents.
The Ajax prospect, who has featured extensively for Belgium’s youth teams, is now understood to be leaning towards an international future with the Atlas Lions.
The development marks a significant moment in the career of a player long regarded as one of the brightest products of his generation.
Bounida’s rise has been steady and closely followed.
He began his football education at RSC Anderlecht before making an early move to Ajax, where his progress in Amsterdam has drawn increasing attention.
Operating primarily in attack, the young forward has continued to develop his game, with his performances contributing to his growing reputation within European youth football.
Away from club football, however, the question of international allegiance has become unavoidable.
Eligible for both Belgium and Morocco, Bounida has spent several years representing the Red Devils at youth level, appearing across multiple age categories.
That pathway appeared to place him firmly within Belgium’s long-term plans, until recent indications suggested a change of direction.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bounida has now privately made his preference clear.
“It seems that the situation has changed for Rayane Bounida,” explains Tavolieri. “The Brussels footballer, close to the generation of El Khannouss and others, has privately expressed his preference for the Atlas Lions,” continues the Belgian journalist.
The remarks point to behind-the-scenes discussions rather than any official announcement, but they underline a growing belief that the Ajax player sees his future with Morocco.
Tavolieri added: “If the FRMF (Royal Moroccan Football Federation) reacts, the Red Devils could lose another talented player of Moroccan origin.”
Such a move would represent a notable shift, given Bounida’s history with Belgium.
The youngster has accumulated 41 youth international appearances for the Red Devils, including two caps at under-21 level.
Those outings suggested a clear progression through the Belgian system, making the prospect of a switch all the more striking.
For Belgium, the news has reportedly been met with disappointment, reflecting concerns about retaining dual-nationality players in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
For Morocco, it would reinforce ongoing efforts to attract Europe-based talents to strengthen the Atlas Lions’ future squads.
While no formal change has yet been confirmed, the indications suggest Bounida’s international path may soon take a different turn, marking a decisive chapter in the career of one of Ajax’s most promising young players.
