Moroccan public opinion has reacted strongly to comments made by Albert Luque, a former official of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), regarding Brahim Diaz’s decision to represent Morocco at the international level.
Diaz, who plays for Real Madrid, has been in excellent form in recent months, scoring the decisive goal in his side’s 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first leg last Tuesday.
The 25-year-old’s performances have not only benefited his club but also Morocco, where he has become a key figure in the national team.
The versatile attacker has scored five goals in four matches during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Morocco.
Having earned eight caps and netted seven goals for the Atlas Lions, Diaz’s decision to represent Morocco — a choice linked to his parents’ origins — has been widely celebrated across the North African nation.
However, Luque’s recent remarks have caused widespread anger in Morocco. Speaking about Diaz’s choice to play for Morocco instead of Spain, Luque claimed the player regretted his decision.
“Did it hurt him? I think it hurt him the most not to have won the Euro,” he said, referencing Spain’s triumph at the 2024 European Championship.
The comments sparked accusations of racism and condescension from Moroccan media. Le360 Sport described the statement as a “racist and paternalistic reflection,” further inflamed by Luque’s additional remark that “it is not the same thing to play with Italy as with Kenya.”
Diaz committed to representing Morocco in March 2024, after being courted heavily by the North African nation.
Despite being born in Malaga, Spain, and earning one cap for Spain in 2021 — scoring in a 4-0 victory over Lithuania — Diaz was not offered a prominent role with La Roja.
The controversy has deepened the debate around dual-nationality players and their freedom to choose which country to represent, with Moroccan supporters rallying behind Diaz amid the backlash. The Moroccan Football Federation has not yet commented on the incident.
