Belgium make move to secure Standard winger Adnane Abid ahead of Morocco

Belgium have contacted Standard de Liege winger Adnane Abid after learning that he has been preselected by Morocco, in an attempt to prevent another promising dual-national talent from choosing the Atlas Lions.

The 23-year-old has made a strong start to the season despite Standard’s collective difficulties, scoring three goals in nine league appearances. His performances have attracted attention because of his pace, one-on-one ability and willingness to create openings from the wing.

According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the Royal Belgian Football Association contacted Abid on Wednesday after being informed of his preliminary inclusion in Morocco’s plans. The move reflects Belgium’s desire to act quickly after losing several players of Moroccan heritage to the North African side in recent years.

The first approach came from Morocco. Standard were told last week that Abid had been included in the country’s preliminary squad for the next international fixtures.

Simon Mignolet, the former Belgium goalkeeper who is now a technical official at the Belgian federation, subsequently contacted the winger to establish his intentions regarding his international future.

Abid was born in Verviers, in the Liege area, and came through the youth system at Genk before playing for Patro Eisden. He joined Standard in the summer of 2025.

The 1.65m winger represented Belgium at youth level through to the under-19s, but his Moroccan heritage appears likely to play a significant role in his decision.

In an interview with Standard’s media channels, Abid spoke openly about his dual identity and his preference for representing Morocco.

“I am Belgian-Moroccan and both countries are close to my heart. Choosing one national team does not mean you reject the other. At some point, it is the choice of the heart that matters,” he said.

When asked which team he would choose, however, Abid gave a clear answer.

“My heart would naturally choose Morocco. Every Moroccan has this bond of blood which means Morocco is something enormous. I love Belgium very much too, but naturally it is the choice of my origins.”

He added: “That does not make me ungrateful, but at some point the heart makes the choice; it is no longer really up to you. The national team is sacred. I would clearly choose Morocco.”

His comments are likely to weaken Belgium’s hopes of persuading him to change course. In recent years, Chemsdine Talbi, Rayane Bounida, Bilal El Khannouss and Zakaria El Ouahdi have all opted to represent Morocco after progressing within Belgian football.

The next step will depend on whether Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi turns Abid’s preliminary selection into a first senior international call-up. Morocco are due to face Niger on 13 and 17 November, fixtures which could give Abid the chance to make his next move if he is included in the final squad.