Morocco and Belgium battle for Standard Liege winger Adnane Abid

Morocco and Belgium are reportedly competing for the international future of Standard Liege winger Adnane Abid after the 23-year-old was included in the Atlas Lions’ preliminary squad for the November international window.

The development has attracted the attention of the Belgian Football Association, with both countries interested in securing the services of the talented attacker, who holds dual Moroccan and Belgian nationality.

Abid has enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2026-27 campaign, establishing himself as an important attacking option at Standard Liege and attracting interest from the two federations.

According to reports, Morocco informed Standard Liege last week that the winger had been included in the preliminary selection of Atlas Lions coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The move prompted a reaction from Belgium, with the country’s Football Association technical director, Simon Mignolet, reportedly contacting the player to discuss his international future and understand his intentions.

Abid impresses with Standard Liege

The winger has produced encouraging performances for Standard Liege despite the club’s difficult results this season.

He has registered four goals and four assists in 11 official appearances across the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup.

His league contributions include three goals and three assists in 10 matches, while he also scored in the Belgian Cup encounter against Dender.

Abid has also demonstrated his creativity and ability to take on opponents, recording 19 successful dribbles, 19 chances created and five big chances created in the league.

His current form represents an improvement on last season, when he managed two goals and five assists in the Belgian top flight.

Belgium moves to protect its international options

Born in Verviers, Belgium, on August 23, 2003, Abid previously represented Belgium at youth level, featuring for the country’s Under-17 and Under-19 teams.

However, he has yet to make his senior international debut, leaving him eligible to represent Morocco at the highest level.

Belgium’s interest reflects the growing competition between national federations for players with dual nationality, particularly those who have progressed through European youth football systems.

Previous examples involving Morocco include Bilal El Khannouss and Chemsdine Talbi, who have also been part of the country’s efforts to attract dual-nationality talent.

What Abid could offer the Atlas Lions

Abid’s attacking qualities could provide Morocco with another option on the wings as Ouahbi continues to assess players ahead of upcoming international assignments.

His ability to beat defenders, create scoring opportunities and contribute goals makes him an interesting prospect for the Atlas Lions.

At 23, the Standard Liege attacker is also gaining valuable experience in Belgian football, having established himself in the club’s first team.

Morocco’s interest comes as the national team continues to monitor emerging attacking talent, with injuries within the squad also creating the need to consider alternative options.

However, his inclusion in the preliminary squad does not guarantee a place in the final selection. Abid will still need to convince Ouahbi that his club performances can translate to the international stage.

A decision in Morocco’s favour would add another young attacking option to the Atlas Lions’ pool of eligible players, while Belgium could miss out on a player who has previously represented its youth teams.