Ayoub Oufkir chooses Morocco as Netherlands boss Xavi is left disappointed

Ayoub Oufkir says he felt “something formidable” after choosing Morocco, despite reported efforts from the Netherlands to convince the AZ Alkmaar winger to represent the Oranje.

The 20-year-old has received his first call-up to the Morocco national team for the two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Niger. The first match will take place in Casablanca on 13 November, with the return fixture scheduled for 17 November in Rabat.

Oufkir was speaking to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) after taking part in his first training session with the Atlas Lions on Monday. He appeared pleased with the decision to commit his international future to Morocco and said he had been persuaded by the vision outlined by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The left-footed winger has been one of the notable surprises of the current squad. Already established in AZ Alkmaar’s first-team plans, he has made 18 appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

Oufkir, who has been compared with former Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, was born in Rotterdam and developed at Sparta before representing the Netherlands at youth level. He helped the Netherlands win the European Under-19 Championship in June 2025, providing an assist in the semi-final.

Despite that background, the Netherlands were unable to secure his services. Xavi, who was reportedly considered earlier this year for the Morocco position before the appointment of Ouahbi, acknowledged that efforts to recruit Oufkir had failed.

In comments reported by Goal, the Netherlands coach accepted the player’s decision and indicated that the matter was now closed. His words were interpreted as reflecting disappointment at losing a player who had represented the Dutch youth teams.

Nigel de Jong, the national technical director of the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), also gave an account that confirmed that impression in comments to NOS.

Oufkir is the latest highly rated dual-national player to choose Morocco in recent years. His decision follows those of Anass Salah-Eddine and Abdellah Ouazane, among others, as the North African side continues to attract players eligible to represent the Netherlands.

Morocco are currently ranked seventh in the world, while the Netherlands are ninth. The movement of dual-national talent towards the Atlas Lions has underlined the growing appeal of the Moroccan national team and represented a setback for the Dutch side.