Mustapha Hadji questions Brahim Diaz’s Morocco place over limited Real Madrid playing time

Mustapha Hadji believes Brahim Diaz should not be guaranteed a place in the Morocco squad while he remains a peripheral figure at Real Madrid.

The former Morocco international has urged the 27-year-old to consider leaving the Spanish club, warning that his lack of regular football could undermine his international prospects. Since Jose Mourinho took charge at Real Madrid, Diaz has struggled to establish himself in the attacking rotation.

He has played only 210 minutes in six matches across all competitions, starting just one of his four La Liga appearances. That record is well below the level expected of a player hoping to play a leading role for the national team.

Speaking in a video interview with Kooora, Hadji was blunt in his assessment of Diaz’s situation and also criticised Sofyan Amrabat.

“Diaz only plays a few minutes for Real Madrid, so it will be difficult to call him up for the Morocco national team because, in such circumstances, he does not deserve to play at international level,” said the former midfielder.

Diaz is viewed as one of Morocco’s main attacking talents, and he has produced glimpses of his ability when given opportunities. He has provided two assists in the Champions League, but Hadji questioned whether a player without a consistent run of matches can be expected to become a technical leader for the national side.

The former Morocco playmaker believes a move away from Real Madrid may be the best solution, with the Saudi Pro League a possible destination.

“He plays for the biggest club in the world, but honestly, I would advise him to leave for the Saudi league if there is an offer,” Hadji said.

He also rejected the idea that a move to Saudi Arabia would necessarily represent a step down, pointing to the level of competition in the country.

“I am a good observer of the Roshn Saudi League, and the competition there includes professionals of the highest level. The competition is tough,” he added.

Diaz’s current position is not entirely unexpected. Before the season began, concerns had already been raised about the risks of staying at Real Madrid despite strong competition for places in attack.

Those fears appear to have been reinforced in recent months. Under Mourinho, Diaz has remained a secondary option and has yet to secure a regular starting place.

That could become increasingly significant as Morocco’s next international commitments approach. Membership of the Real Madrid squad cannot guarantee Diaz a starting role with the Lions de l’Atlas indefinitely, particularly if Mohamed Ouahbi has other high-quality options who are playing more regularly.

Several media reports have suggested that clubs from Saudi Arabia could make a move for Diaz during the winter transfer window.

“I hope he joins a big club in Saudi Arabia or another league, so that he has the chance to play more than an hour in every match,” Hadji said.

Diaz must now decide whether to remain at Real Madrid and fight for opportunities or seek a club where he can play a central role. His choice could have a direct effect on his short-term future with Morocco.