Moutaz Neffati is set to represent Tunisia at international level after giving his initial approval to join the Carthage Eagles, according to reports from the Tunisian press.
The 20-year-old right-back, who plays for Norrköping in the Swedish top flight, holds dual Swedish-Tunisian nationality and has reportedly been approached in recent days by Tunisia’s national team sporting director, Zied Jaziri.
Sources close to the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) claim Neffati has agreed in principle to make the switch, pending the necessary change in international registration.
Born in Sweden to Tunisian parents, Neffati has previously been on the radar of Sweden’s Under-21 national team. However, with the FTF actively scouting talent from the diaspora, the young defender now appears likely to join Tunisia’s national setup.
His first call-up could come as early as the training camp scheduled for June, with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September also seen as a possible opportunity for his debut.
Neffati’s potential arrival marks a notable shift in strategy by the Tunisian federation, which has redoubled its efforts to secure players eligible for multiple national teams.
The move comes in the wake of losing Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari, who opted to represent Sweden at senior level despite being eligible for Tunisia. Ayari, 21, has already won 10 caps and scored once for the Scandinavian side.
The FTF is now looking to avoid a repeat of that outcome and sees Neffati as a player with strong long-term value for the national team. Standing at 1.82 metres, Neffati is capable of playing both as a right-back and further up the flank as a right-sided midfielder, offering tactical flexibility to Tunisia’s coaching staff.
Since turning professional in 2022, Neffati’s development has been steady. He began his senior career with IF Sylvia before loan spells, including one at Icelandic side KR Reykjavik. Now with Norrköping, he has racked up around 40 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and eight assists.
This season, he has made seven appearances under coach Martin Falk, six of which have been starts—evidence of the growing trust in his ability at the club level.
Should his international switch be finalised, Neffati is expected to provide healthy competition in Tunisia’s defensive line.
He would likely challenge Mahmoud Ghorbel of US Monastir for the right-back position, as Tunisia looks to refresh its squad ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
The move also underscores the FTF’s broader ambition to engage with dual nationals early in their careers, aiming to build a diverse and competitive national team that reflects the global footprint of Tunisia’s footballing talent.
With official confirmation still pending, all eyes now turn to the upcoming months to see whether Neffati’s inclusion materialises, potentially offering Tunisia a dynamic new option on the right flank.
🇹🇳 Info: Zied jaziri a pris contact avec Moutaz Neffati ces derniers jours.
Le jeune arrière droit a donné son accord de principe pour rejoindre les Aigles de carthage en attendant le changement du passeport sportif de joueur.
Un bon renfort pour notre EN🇹🇳 https://t.co/oEZbmx6XnE— Walid El Mechri (@WalidElMechri2) April 4, 2025
