Anderlecht defender Kais Barry reportedly chooses Morocco over Ivory Coast and Belgium

Anderlecht defender Kais Barry has reportedly decided to represent Morocco at senior international level, turning down the opportunity to play for Ivory Coast or Belgium.

The 20-year-old centre-back, who has Belgian, Ivorian and Moroccan roots, is said to have chosen the Atlas Lions as he considers the next stage of his international career.

Moroccan sports newspaper Al Mountakhab reports that Barry has opted for Morocco despite previously representing Belgium at youth level.

Barry has strong African football connections

Barry is the son of former Ivory Coast international goalkeeper Boubacar “Copa” Barry, who played a key role in the Elephants’ 2015 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

The young defender developed through Anderlecht’s academy after joining the Belgian club from Lokeren. He signed his first professional contract in 2023 and subsequently extended his agreement, which currently runs until June 2027.

Barry has recently been given an opportunity to feature for Anderlecht’s first team as he continues his development in Belgian football.

His decision to pursue Morocco could eventually provide the North African nation with another young defensive option emerging from a European league.

Morocco continues search for young European-based talent

Barry’s reported decision comes as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation continues its efforts to identify players of Moroccan descent developing across European football.

Although the defender has represented Belgium at youth level, he could become eligible to switch his international allegiance to Morocco after completing the necessary procedures.

For now, however, Barry’s immediate priority is establishing himself at senior level with Anderlecht and securing regular first-team football.

His progress is likely to remain closely monitored by Morocco as the Atlas Lions continue to build a pool of young talent playing in European leagues.

Barry’s potential decision would also add another interesting chapter to the international football story of the son of an Ivorian Africa Cup of Nations winner.