Morocco attracts Belgian-raised football talent through strategic recruitment

Belgium is facing a growing trend of dual-nationality football players opting to represent Morocco rather than the Belgian national team. Media reports indicate that several players who progressed through Belgian youth systems, including Bilal Khannous, Ismail Sabari, Zakaria Wahdi, Ryan Bouhida, and Chamseddine Talbi, have chosen to play for Morocco.

This shift is attributed to a combination of cultural ties, family connections, and the perceived difficulty of breaking into the Belgian senior squad. Additionally, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, led by president Fouzi Lekjaa, has implemented a strategic framework to attract diaspora talent through both emotional connection and robust institutional support.

In club football, RSC Anderlecht's Tawfik Bentayeb has drawn comparisons to former striker Islam Slimani due to his high work rate and involvement in play. While Bentayeb is Moroccan, his playing style has been noted for its intensity and ability to contribute to both defense and attack, mirroring the impact seen from previous high-engagement strikers in the Belgian league.