Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi explain decision to represent Morocco

Morocco internationals Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have spoken about the personal and emotional factors behind their decisions to represent the North African nation, insisting that choosing a national team is ultimately a matter of identity and belonging.

Both players, who were born in Europe and were eligible to represent other countries, said their commitment to Morocco stemmed from a deep connection to their roots rather than sporting considerations.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, one of the key figures in Morocco’s recent success on the international stage, described his decision to wear the Atlas Lions jersey as “the choice of the heart.”

Born in Spain and developed through the youth ranks of Real Madrid, Hakimi had opportunities to represent Spain at international level before ultimately pledging his allegiance to Morocco.

“I tried the experience (with Spain), but I didn’t feel comfortable,” Hakimi explained.

“The decision to represent a country must be made from the start, and you have to feel comfortable with it, both personally and within your family.”

Hakimi’s comments highlight the complex choices faced by many dual-national footballers, particularly those with strong family ties to countries different from their place of birth.

Morocco has increasingly benefited from its ability to attract players from its vast diaspora communities across Europe, helping strengthen the national team in recent years.

Former Ajax Amsterdam star Hakim Ziyech echoed Hakimi’s sentiments, stressing that emotional attachment played the decisive role in his own international choice.

“In my case, it was Morocco without hesitation. I have always felt Moroccan even though I was born (in the Netherlands),” Ziyech said.

“Many people will never understand that feeling.”

Ziyech’s remarks reflect the strong sense of identity that has helped Morocco convince a number of talented players born abroad to represent the country on the international stage.

The Moroccan Football Federation has long invested in scouting and engaging players of Moroccan descent across Europe, a strategy that has contributed significantly to the national team’s rise.

The approach helped Morocco assemble a talented squad that made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup at Qatar 2022.

However, not every player with Moroccan heritage chooses to represent the Atlas Lions.

Despite interest from Morocco, Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal opted to represent Spain, the country of his birth. The teenage star has since established himself as one of the brightest talents in world football and a key player for the Spanish national team.

Yamal’s decision underlines the reality that while Morocco has successfully attracted numerous dual-national players, the competition for emerging talents remains intense, with many footballers choosing to represent the countries where they were born and developed.

As debates surrounding national identity and international allegiance continue in modern football, the experiences of Hakimi and Ziyech illustrate how personal connections, family influence and cultural belonging often play a decisive role in shaping a player’s international future.