‘We did everything we could’ – Xavi reacts as Ayoub Oufkir snubs Netherlands for Morocco

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has expressed his disappointment over Ayoub Oufkir’s decision to represent Morocco internationally, admitting the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) did everything possible to convince the highly-rated winger to remain with the Oranje.

The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar forward has opted to switch his international allegiance to Morocco despite progressing through the Netherlands’ youth ranks and featuring prominently in their development teams.

Oufkir was recently named in the Jong Oranje squad for the European Championship qualifiers but turned down the opportunity to continue his journey with the Netherlands after receiving an invitation from the Moroccan Football Federation.

His decision represents another significant setback for the KNVB, which has increasingly struggled to retain dual-nationality prospects who have developed within the Dutch football system.

Oufkir was part of the Netherlands team that won the Under-19 European Championship last year, making his decision to switch particularly disappointing for the Dutch federation.

Xavi says Netherlands did everything to retain Oufkir

Reacting to the development at his Monday morning press conference, Xavi insisted the Dutch football authorities had made every effort to persuade the winger to remain available for the national team.

However, the Netherlands manager acknowledged that the final decision rested entirely with the player and stressed the importance of respecting his wishes.

“I respect the players’ choice. I think we did everything we could, but ultimately we have to respect that choice,” Xavi stated.

The former Barcelona manager also addressed the extent of his personal involvement in efforts to retain players eligible for the Netherlands, explaining that his intervention depends on the importance of the individual to the national team’s plans.

“I can be involved if it concerns a player we need. Other than that, I can only say that I respect the player’s decision. He has chosen Morocco and we don’t need to talk about this player anymore. We did everything we could and ultimately it is the player’s decision.”

Despite the disappointment, Xavi’s comments suggest the Dutch setup must accept Oufkir’s decision and concentrate on players committed to representing the country.

Morocco continue to raid Dutch talent pool

Oufkir’s switch further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in attracting footballers with Dutch connections, with the North African country continuing to strengthen its squad with players developed in the Netherlands.

According to NOS, KNVB General Director Nigel de Jong has also expressed disappointment over the winger’s decision, which represents another notable loss for Dutch football.

Oufkir joins an expanding group of Dutch-born or Dutch-developed players who have chosen to represent Morocco at international level.

The list includes Ajax youngster Abdellah Ouazane, Anass Salah-Eddine, Noussair Mazraoui, Souffian El Karouani, Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Idrissi and Zakaria Aboukhlal.

They follow the path of established internationals such as Hakim Ziyech and Nordin Amrabat, who also opted to represent the Atlas Lions despite their Dutch football backgrounds.

Morocco’s ability to attract such players has strengthened their international recruitment strategy and increased competition for emerging dual-nationality talents.

The Atlas Lions have also overtaken the Netherlands in the FIFA world rankings, underlining their growing standing in international football.

Oranje face growing challenge retaining dual-nationality players

Oufkir’s decision presents another challenge for the KNVB as it seeks to protect its investment in developing young footballers while competing with other national associations for their international allegiance.

The winger’s progression through the Dutch youth system and his involvement in a European Championship-winning team demonstrate the level of talent the Netherlands have lost.

For Morocco, meanwhile, securing his commitment represents another addition to an increasingly competitive pool of players with experience in European football.

Xavi, who is contracted to the Netherlands until 2030, must now turn his attention to the players available to him as the Oranje prepare for their upcoming international assignments.

Morocco will hope to integrate Oufkir into their national team plans as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.