“Morocco is in the blood” — Getafe defender Abdelkabir Abqar proudly embraces Atlas Lions dream

Getafe defender Abdelkabir Abqar has delivered a passionate message about identity and national pride, insisting that representing Morocco is not determined by birthplace but by love for the country.

The enterprising defender featured last Monday when his outfit shockingly defeated Real Madrid to dent their La Liga title ambition.

After the match, the defender emphasized that belonging to the Moroccan national team goes beyond geography.

“Love for your country is in the blood,” Abqar said, stressing that whether a player is born in Spain or elsewhere makes no difference when it comes to commitment to the Morocco national football team.

The 25-year-old also opened up about the physical challenge of competing during Ramadan, with fixtures sometimes scheduled before Iftar.

While he has fasted since childhood, Abqar admitted that playing at the highest level while fasting requires extra determination. “I’ve been used to it since I was young, but during matches before breaking the fast, you have to push yourself even more,” he explained.

Abqar reflected on his football journey, which began at the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy at just 11 years old. From there, he moved to Spain, starting his professional career with Málaga CF before spells at Deportivo Alavés and eventually Getafe.

He described the path as one filled with sacrifices, particularly leaving his family at a young age and navigating the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, Abqar’s perseverance paid off when he earned his first call-up to the Moroccan national team in 2024 — a moment he described as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for both himself and his family.

Looking ahead, the defender has set his sights on winning a continental title with Morocco, underlining his ambition to contribute to the Atlas Lions’ continued rise on the African stage.

Abqar also addressed the presence of foreign-born players within the national setup, pointing to stars like Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi as examples. He insisted their birthplace does not disrupt team unity, as their connection to Morocco is deeply rooted.

In a touching gesture, Abqar revealed that he personally supported Díaz after the midfielder missed a crucial penalty in a recent final, highlighting the strong bond within the squad.

For Abqar, the message is clear: wearing Morocco’s colors is not about where you are born — it is about what runs through your veins.