Abdel Abqar: Morocco, Identity and the Bloodline Behind His National-Team Choice

Abdel Abqar, a pillar of Getafe’s defense, is preparing to take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in a physically demanding context. At 26, the Moroccan international is coping with the rigors of Ramadan, a challenge he approaches with resilience. “The first few days are difficult, but you have to grit your teeth,” he tells El Mundo, describing an adapted preparation routine designed to prevent injuries despite fasting.

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Asked about the strong identity of the Moroccan national team, which includes players born in Europe such as Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi, Abqar emphasizes the strength of national feeling. “It doesn’t matter whether you were born in Spain, Morocco runs through our blood,” he says. In his view, this attachment is passed down by families from an early age: “It’s something you feel, and nobody needs to tell you about it.”

The defender, trained at the Mohammed VI Academy, recalls that wearing the Lions of the Atlas jersey represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream. “Playing for the senior team is something you can’t explain,” declares the player who made his debut in 2024. Having overcome exile and personal sacrifices since the age of 11, he now aims to make history with the national team by winning a major title.

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His career in Spain, which began in Malaga before blossoming at Alavés, reflects unwavering perseverance. Despite being far from his family and experiencing moments of doubt, he never considered giving up on his career. “I had been pursuing one thing since I was 11, and I wasn’t going to abandon it,” he insists, stressing that success in La Liga is merely an extension of his commitment to his country of origin.