Munir El Haddadi Named in Spain Under-21 Squad for Upcoming Fixtures
Young FC Barcelona talent Munir El Haddadi has been included in Spain’s under-21 squad for their upcoming matches against Hungary and Austria, as revealed by head coach Albert Celades. The fixtures are scheduled for September 4 and 9, 2014, respectively.
Munir, just 18 years old, has recently attracted significant attention due to his impressive performances at club level. The promising forward, who holds dual nationality, remains eligible to represent either Spain or Morocco at the senior international level. His inclusion in the Spanish youth setup is seen as a strong indicator of his future intentions, although the final decision lies ahead.
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the senior Spain squad by Vicente Del Bosque, which will face France and Macedonia in early September. The youth squad’s call-up, led by Celades, features a blend of emerging talents across various positions, reflecting Spain’s continued focus on nurturing the next generation of footballing stars.
Among the players named alongside Munir are notable prospects such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Rubén Blanco, Saúl Ñíguez, Sergi Roberto, and Gerard Deulofeu. The full list includes:
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Goalkeepers: Kepa, Rubén Blanco, Pacheco
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Defenders: Sergi Gómez, Alberto Moreno, Manquillo, Insúa, Muniesa, Amat
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Midfielders: Muniain, Saúl Ñíguez, Sergi Roberto, Sarabia, Óliver, Rubén Pardo, Ayoze
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Forwards: Munir El Haddadi, Bernat, Jony Castro, Denis, Deulofeu
The Spanish Football Federation is confident that these young players will build on their club successes and contribute to the national team’s future triumphs.
Munir’s rise has sparked widespread debate, not only because of his talent but also due to the choice he faces regarding his international allegiance. Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, he embodies the multicultural identity increasingly common in modern football. While Morocco has expressed interest in securing his services, Spain’s under-21 call-up represents a clear step toward integrating him into their system.
Both Spain and Morocco are closely monitoring the situation, aware of the potential impact Munir could have at senior level. For now, his focus remains on performing well in the upcoming youth fixtures and continuing his development at Barcelona.
As the under-21 team prepares for their matches against Hungary and Austria, all eyes will be on the young forward to see if he can make the leap to senior international football in the near future.
