World Cup 2026: Morocco star Nael El Aynaoui dreams of playing for Barcelona

Morocco midfielder Nael El Aynaoui would be “the happiest person in the world” if he ever gets the opportunity to play for Barcelona, according to his father, former tennis star Younes El Aynaoui.

The revelation comes at a time when the Moroccan international is attracting growing attention following his impressive performances for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“My son is Barcelona,” Younes El Aynaoui told RMC in an interview. “He lived there from birth to age 11, and he would be the happiest person in the world if he ever played for this team.”

According to his father, Nael’s love for Barcelona began during his childhood years in the city, where he grew up closely following the club and admiring the style of football associated with the Spanish giants.

The Roma midfielder was heavily influenced by the generation of Barcelona stars that dominated European football, with legendary Spanish playmaker Andrés Iniesta reportedly among his biggest inspirations.

Nael had previously spoken openly about his admiration for Iniesta, praising the former Barcelona captain’s intelligence, composure and technical quality in midfield.

The Moroccan international believes Iniesta’s style perfectly represented the football identity Barcelona became famous for during one of the club’s most successful eras.

El Aynaoui’s growing reputation has been one of the positive stories for Morocco at the ongoing World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The midfielder started in both of Morocco’s group-stage matches against Brazil and Scotland, delivering composed performances in midfield and further establishing himself as one of the team’s emerging leaders.

His ability to control possession, break up opposition attacks and transition quickly into attack has earned praise from fans and pundits, with many viewing him as a key figure in Morocco’s current generation.

At just 25, El Aynaoui is increasingly being linked with a bright future at the highest level of European football, and his father’s latest comments are likely to fuel speculation over a possible dream move to Barcelona in the years ahead.