Villarreal’s Ilias Akhomach Chooses Morocco Over Spain for International Soccer Career

"In the end, I remain Moroccan, my culture and my origins come from Morocco. It was not a difficult decision to make this choice, I have always known it clearly and my entourage as well," said Ilias Akhomach in a recent interview with the Spanish media El Relevo. He nevertheless expressed his gratitude to the Spanish national team with which he has played in the youth categories. "I thank the Spanish team for what they have done for me," added the 19-year-old Hispano-Moroccan striker.

Born on April 16, 2004 in Els Hostalets de Pierola (Barcelona) to Moroccan parents, Ilias joined the FC Barcelona academy in 2007. He remained there until 2013 before continuing his training at Gimnastic Manresa for four years. In 2017, he returned to La Masia. He made his debut for FC Barcelona Atlètic, which he will leave in July 2023 after signing a four-season contract with Villarreal FC, where he will surely write the most beautiful pages of his football career.

Both Morocco and Spain have shown interest in the young player. The two countries do not hesitate to call him up. This is how he defended the jersey of La Roja in the youth teams from the U16s to the Espoirs, of which he was captain (33 caps in total over 4 categories: U-16, U-18, U-19 and U-21). While Spain is counting on him, he definitively turns his back on them to join the den of the Atlas Lions (U-23) in November 2023. He is a starter against the Danish Espoirs (3-0 defeat).

Ilias, who is putting in good performances with his club, Villarreal, could be called up by the Atlas Lions U-23 coach, Issam Charaï, to participate in the next Olympic Games.