Neil El Aynaoui Stars for Morocco at 2026 World Cup

Neil El Aynaoui, a 24‑year‑old midfielder who plays for Serie A club AS Roma, has been named to Morocco’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The son of former tennis star Younes El Aynaoui, Neil helped the Atlas Lions reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before earning a spot in a group that includes Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Growing up in Barcelona, he chose soccer over tennis and progressed through the youth academies of AS Nancy, RC Lens and now Roma, becoming a regular for the national side.

Younes El Aynaoui has spoken about his son’s admiration for FC Barcelona and the complexities of youth recruitment, international eligibility and contract negotiations. While Neil remains committed to Morocco, discussions about a potential move to the Spanish club highlight broader issues of talent development and the economic impact on regional sports hubs in North Africa and Europe.