Morocco win race for Egyptian-Moroccan midfielder Wahib El Antary

French-born midfielder Wahib El Antary has reportedly chosen to represent Morocco at international level after being included in the Atlas Lions’ Under-17 squad.

The 17-year-old, who has Egyptian and Moroccan heritage, had attracted interest from Egypt after previously featuring in the country’s youth setup.

Egyptian officials reportedly made further attempts to convince the midfielder to join their squad ahead of upcoming youth competitions, but El Antary did not respond to the latest approach before being named in Morocco’s Under-17 team.

El Antary previously trained with Egypt

El Antary joined an Egypt youth national team camp in July 2025, where his performances reportedly impressed Ahmed El-Kass, who was coaching the age group at the time.

However, the midfielder subsequently dropped out of Egypt’s plans for the North African qualifiers and the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.

Egypt’s 2009-born national team reportedly contacted El Antary again about a month ago as it prepared for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, which is scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 13.

Reports in the Egyptian media said the teenager did not respond to the invitation.

Egypt had also reportedly considered him for an international tournament in Switzerland involving eight teams from five confederations, including Brazil, England, Spain, Colombia, South Korea, Côte d’Ivoire and Canada.

El Antary has instead opted to join Morocco’s youth setup.

Morocco include midfielder in U-17 squad

The midfielder has been named in Morocco’s Under-17 squad under coach Ahmed Kantari.

He is expected to feature in the Copa tournament in Spain during the current international break as he begins his association with Morocco’s youth national teams.

His inclusion has attracted attention in both Morocco and Egypt because of his previous involvement with the Pharaohs’ youth setup.

Egyptian media personality Ahmed Shobier reacted to the reported decision on X, wishing El Antary success while calling for greater attention to emerging young players.

“First, Egypt and Morocco are one. I wish him success,” Shobier wrote.

He also called for national football authorities to increase their efforts in identifying and following the development of young talents.

Who is Wahib El Antary?

Born on March 6, 2009, in Angers, France, El Antary has Egyptian and Moroccan heritage, while his birthplace also gives him a connection to France at international level.

According to Transfermarkt, the teenager plays as a central midfielder.

At club level, he currently represents Angers’ reserve team after joining the French club in January 2025. He previously developed at the Cholet academy.

His reported decision to represent Morocco at youth level could mark the beginning of a new international chapter for the midfielder, who has already experienced football environments in France and Egypt.