Omar El Hilali, the rising star of Espanyol Barcelona, has made a significant decision regarding his international commitments, choosing to prioritize his club over the national team, despite harboring aspirations for the Olympic Games.
At just 20 years old, El Hilali has emerged as a standout talent for Espanyol, contributing significantly to their campaign for promotion back to La Liga.
His absence from the Atlas Lion Cubs U23 squad during the recent international break raised eyebrows, especially considering his pivotal role in Morocco’s success at the last AFCON U23 tournament.
In an official statement, El Hilali cited club obligations as the primary reason for declining the national team call-up.
“The club asked me not to go with the national team and I accepted, for the moment the important thing is to help the team in this very important stage,” he affirmed, emphasizing his commitment to Espanyol’s cause.
El Hilali’s decision was reached after discussions between the club, the national team management, and himself, with all parties expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
Despite his absence from the recent squad, El Hilali remains committed to representing his country in the future.
While the prospect of featuring in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games looms large, El Hilali remains grounded in his priorities. “For the moment, my goal is not to go to Paris.
For the moment, my goal is to move up with Espanyol. This is what I have between my eyebrows,” he asserted in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
However, the allure of the Olympics remains tantalizing for El Hilali, who views it as a childhood dream.
“Playing the Olympic Games with your country, representing millions of people… I wouldn’t even know what to tell you,” he expressed, highlighting the profound significance of such an opportunity.
While his immediate focus remains on Espanyol’s promotion bid, El Hilali’s long-term aspirations include donning the national colors at the Olympic Games, a prospect that holds immense personal and familial significance.
As he continues to impress on the pitch, El Hilali’s journey promises to be one to watch, both at the club level and on the international stage.
