Anderlecht defender Kays Barry chooses Morocco for international future

Kays Houdoussi Barry has opted to represent Morocco, ending the international uncertainty surrounding the Anderlecht defender, who was also eligible for Belgium and Ivory Coast.

The 19-year-old has represented Belgium at youth level, including with the Under-19s, but the formal process to change his sporting nationality has now been completed with FIFA.

Barry is expected to make his first appearance in Morocco colours after being selected by Jamal Ait Ben Idir for the country’s next Under-23 gathering. The Olympic squad will meet between 21 September and 6 October and has two friendlies scheduled, against Mali and Tanzania.

The decision has particular significance because Barry is the son of former Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar “Copa” Barry, one of the most recognisable figures in the history of the Elephants.

Copa Barry was part of the Ivory Coast side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015. He became one of the heroes of the final against Ghana, saving one penalty during the shootout before scoring the decisive spot-kick himself as Ivory Coast claimed their second continental title.

He has recently joined Herve Renard’s coaching staff.

Despite his family connection to Ivory Coast, Belgium has also played an important role in Barry’s development. His father spent 10 years at Lokeren, where Kays began his football education before moving to Neerpede and joining Anderlecht around six years ago.

Barry signed his first professional contract with Sporting in August 2023. He has continued his development with RSCA Futures in the Challenger Pro League this season and has already made seven appearances.

His background gave him an unusual international choice: Ivory Coast, the country represented by his father; Belgium, where he grew up and began his football training; or Morocco, through his mother.

He has now chosen the third option and will begin the next stage of his international career with Morocco’s Under-23 side.