Edan Diop’s Monaco revival reignites Senegal-Morocco international debate

Edan Diop’s impressive display for AS Monaco against Toulouse has brought renewed attention to the 22-year-old midfielder’s international future, with the France-born player eligible to represent either Senegal or Morocco.

Diop was one of the key figures in Saturday’s 2-2 draw. Making his second start of the season, the Tours-born midfielder headed Monaco in front in the 29th minute before setting up Matthis Abline for the home side’s second goal eight minutes later, although Abline did most of the work himself.

He received a 6/10 rating from L’Equipe and also made an impression with his defensive work. Diop’s versatility helped Monaco protect the right side alongside Vanderson, underlining the range of roles he can perform.

His performance has also revived a familiar discussion among Senegalese and Moroccan supporters. Diop was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother, meaning he is eligible to play for both countries. His surname, Diop, is particularly common in Senegal and especially among the Wolof community, adding another dimension to the debate.

“It’s a Diop, so future Morocco international,” some Senegalese supporters have joked on social media, referring to a number of similar cases.

The most recent example is Issa Diop, who was pursued by Senegal before choosing Morocco, his mother’s country, in March 2026 at the age of 29. That late decision allowed him to play at the World Cup and establish himself in the Morocco defence.

Edan also has a direct family precedent in his older brother, Sofiane Diop. The OGC Nice winger, who also came through Monaco, selected Morocco in 2023 after representing France at youth level. His former team-mate Eliesse Ben Seghir had reportedly “pushed” him towards Morocco in 2024.

The brothers have nevertheless grown up with strong links to both sides of their family. In an interview with Onze Mondial in 2019, Sofiane said their father regularly sent him to Senegal during the summer holidays to stay with his paternal relatives, while his mother’s family lived in France.

That background means Edan’s potential decision would involve more than simply choosing between two passports.

Other players with similar heritage have taken different paths. Ibrahim Mbaye, the Paris Saint-Germain winger, opted to represent Senegal in November 2025 despite having a Senegalese father and Moroccan mother. He had previously played for France’s youth teams.

Abdoulay Konko made an alternative choice. Born in Marseille to a Senegalese father and Moroccan mother, the former Sevilla and Lazio defender declined international football altogether.

“I was called up by Morocco and Senegal, but I respectfully refused because I did not want to hurt either of my parents by choosing one over the other,” he told the BBC in 2015.

Diop, who has played for France Under-19 and Under-20 teams, has not yet indicated a preference, and neither federation has made an official approach public.

If he continues his return to form, however, the Monaco midfielder could soon become the latest focus of competition between the two countries.