Dual-National Soccer Star Ben Seghir Chooses Morocco Over France

The French Football Federation (FFF) is facing a flight of dual national talents. The gem of AS Monaco Eliesse Ben Seghir, one of the talents of world football, who already has several selections in the France U17, U18 and U19 teams, has finally chosen to play for his country of origin, Morocco. France tried several times to make him change his mind, but the native of Saint-Tropez preferred the den of the Atlas Lions to Didier Deschamps’ team. In a long interview with the daily Onze Mondial, the 19-year-old player discussed the choice of his sporting nationality.

"Many say I chose Morocco too early, but for me there is no perfect timing. When you want something, you have to go for it, you have to charge. And you shouldn’t pay attention to what is said about you. I wanted to play for Morocco, so why wait to play with the France A team when my wish is to play for Morocco?" he said. Walid Regragui, coach of the Atlas Lions, managed to convince Eliesse. "Yes, my choice comes quite early in my career, I’m proud of it, and above all, it’s because the coach, Walid Regragui, called me and gave me great confidence," affirmed the young striker.

The impact of Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup also motivated him to join the Atlas Lions squad. "Of course, the run at the 2022 World Cup also gave me the desire," admitted the 19-year-old player. And to continue: "But it’s not just that. When you see what Morocco is doing for football, with the new training center, with what they have put in place to supervise Moroccan football, it’s incredible. The World Cup in Qatar is a plus. Because the work has been in place for years already."

Like Eliesse, there are many of these dual national players who have turned their backs on France in favor of their countries of origin. Why does France no longer attract them? The countries of origin now have quality infrastructures to compete with Clairefontaine. According to the explanations of Mohamed Slim Ben Othman, sports director of Tunisia, African countries have evolved in their strategy to convince young people established in France to try the adventure on the other side of the Mediterranean. "Players are aware that, with us, they can benefit from commercial partnerships, because they become flagship players... They may be less visible individually by choosing a selection like France, where there is a profusion of talent," he had explained to France Football.

Another cause: the desire to encourage, or even force, French internationals, particularly in the youth categories, not to practice Ramadan has offended the sensibilities of Muslim players, Le Point believes to know. Something often criticized about the French Football Federation (FFF). "I cannot accept that we say that the FFF is engaging in religious discrimination. [...] No one at the Federation, starting with me, has forbidden anyone to fast. When players are selected for the French national team, I don’t ask them about their religion. The trial that is being made of the Federation is a bad trial, unfair, and based on false foundations," defended Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF.