‘Netherlands did everything’ – Xavi reacts to Ayoub Oufkir’s Morocco switch

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández has acknowledged Ayoub Oufkir’s decision to represent Morocco, admitting that the Dutch football federation did everything possible to convince the young winger to remain with the Oranje.

The Spanish coach made the comments during a press conference on Monday, November 9, following Oufkir’s first call-up to Morocco’s senior national team by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

“I respect the players’ choices. I think we did everything we could, but, in the end, we have to respect that decision,” Xavi said.

The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar winger, who was born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, was eligible to represent both countries but has now committed his international future to the Atlas Lions.

His decision marks another addition to Morocco’s growing pool of young dual-nationality talents developed through European football.

Oufkir turns his back on the Netherlands after youth success

Oufkir previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, where he attracted the attention of the country’s football authorities through his performances.

One of the biggest achievements of his international career with the Dutch youth teams came in 2025, when he helped the Netherlands U19 side win the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

His progress also earned him involvement with Jong Oranje, the Netherlands’ U21 setup, as he featured in the country’s preparations for the European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Despite progressing through the Dutch football system and representing the country at different youth levels, the winger ultimately chose to represent Morocco, the country of his family origins.

His first senior call-up brings an end to the Netherlands’ hopes of securing his services at international level.

Morocco add another European-developed talent

At club level, Oufkir represents Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, where he operates as a winger and provides an additional attacking option from the flanks.

His decision to join Morocco’s national team continues a trend of young footballers with Moroccan roots choosing the Atlas Lions after developing their careers in the Netherlands.

Abdellah Ouazane and Anass Salah-Eddine are among the players who have made similar international switches after progressing through Dutch football.

Oufkir’s arrival further strengthens Morocco’s efforts to attract and integrate promising players of Moroccan heritage who have developed their football careers abroad.

Oufkir joins Ouahbi’s squad ahead of Niger fixtures

The AZ Alkmaar winger has joined Ouahbi’s squad at the Mohammed VI Football Complex as Morocco prepare for their November international double-header against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Atlas Lions will face Niger on November 13 in Casablanca before meeting the same opponents again on November 17 in Rabat.

The upcoming fixtures could provide Oufkir with his first opportunity to demonstrate his qualities at senior international level and begin establishing himself within the Moroccan setup.

His inclusion represents an important development in his international career, with Morocco now benefiting from another young attacking talent who previously progressed through the Dutch national team system.