RC Lens Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui Eyes Future with Moroccan National Team

This is what his father, former tennis player Younes El Aynaoui, said in a statement to the news site Rue2O. However, the player’s current situation, marked by recent injuries, postpones this possibility for the time being.

Younes El Aynaoui specified that his son Neil has been unavailable for six months due to injuries. The Lens midfielder, who is starting his career in the French championship, is currently trying to gradually return to competition in Ligue 1.

The former tennis player also confirmed being in contact with the coach of the Moroccan national team, Walid Regragui. These exchanges aim to determine a date for a possible integration of Neil El Aynaoui into the Atlas Lions, once he is fully physically recovered and ready for the international level.

During the announcement of the list of players for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Walid Regragui had mentioned the qualities of Neil El Aynaoui. The coach had confirmed having sent him messages about a year earlier to invite him to join the selection. However, Walid Regragui made it known that the upcoming deadlines, including the Africa Cup of Nations, require players who are totally certain of their willingness to defend the national jersey at 100%.