Morocco Advances to World Cup Round of 16, Powered by Diaspora Talent

With two goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco is back in the round of 16. For Moroccan supporters, this feat rests on the talent of the Moroccan diaspora, 14 of the 26 players participating in the World Cup in Qatar being born or having lived abroad. In addition to Hakim Ziyech born in the Netherlands, they cite Achraf Hakimi, Sofiane Boufal and Noussair Mazraoui, born respectively in Spain, France and the Netherlands. Interviewed by Middle East Eye, Ayman El Felyani, a student in Tetouan, says he considers nationality as a fluid concept and that he "doesn’t care if the players were born on Mars."

"The current team - especially the players who are dual-nationals or have lived their whole lives abroad - are representative of Morocco as long as they have a love for the country and contribute to its success," said Fatima-Ezzahra Hayad, a marketing professional from Salé, noting that Achraf Hakimi, considered one of the best defenders in Europe this season, energizes the team.

According to Mohamed Ben Moussa, associate professor of communication at the University of Sharjah, it is the frequent trips, as well as the celebration in Morocco of weddings that further strengthen the ties between the homeland and the Moroccan diaspora. "There is practically no Moroccan household that does not have a family member or more in the diaspora. The national team is seen as representing this fundamental aspect of modern Moroccan identity. In fact, living and succeeding abroad, like these footballers, is an additional source of pride."