Sofyan Amrabat makes himself unavailable for Morocco under current coach

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has announced that he will make himself unavailable for selection to the Atlas Lions while the current national team head coach remains in charge.

The 30-year-old stressed, however, that his decision does not represent his retirement from international football and insisted that he remains open to representing Morocco again in the future.

Amrabat announced his decision in a statement posted on Instagram, describing it as a difficult choice after concluding that he could no longer continue under the current coaching setup.

Amrabat rules himself out under current coach

The experienced midfielder made clear that he would not be available for national team selection for as long as the present head coach remains in charge.

“I am therefore making myself unavailable for selection while he remains in charge,” Amrabat wrote.

However, the Ajax midfielder was keen to clarify that he has not brought an end to his international career.

“I am not retiring from international football, and I am not closing the door on representing Morocco again,” he said.

Reasons remain private

Amrabat chose not to disclose the reasons behind his decision, saying he preferred to keep the matter private out of respect for the Moroccan national team and those involved.

“Representing Morocco has been the greatest honour of my career,” Amrabat wrote, reflecting on a journey that began with his first call-up 12 years ago.

He added that his love for Morocco and the national team “will never change.”

Key figure in Morocco’s historic success

Amrabat has been one of Morocco’s most influential players over the past decade and played a major role during the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His performances during that tournament earned him widespread recognition and helped establish him as one of Africa’s leading midfielders.

He also featured for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, although his involvement was more limited. His most recent appearance came in the quarter-final defeat against France on 9 July, when he came on as a substitute in Morocco’s 2-0 loss.

Ajax midfielder leaves door open for return

The midfielder recently joined Ajax on a two-year contract after leaving Turkish club Fenerbahçe as a free agent.

For now, Amrabat will remain unavailable to Morocco while the current coach remains in charge, but his statement clearly leaves the possibility of a future return to the national team.

“I will remain the team’s biggest fan, supporting you with the same passion I have always shown on the pitch,” Amrabat said, while thanking Moroccan supporters for their continued love and support.

His decision represents a significant development for Moroccan football, with one of the Atlas Lions’ most experienced players stepping away from international duty while making it clear that his relationship with the national team is far from over.