Rising Star Ilias Akhomach Faces National Team Decision: Morocco or Spain?

Several Spanish players of Moroccan origin find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to choosing their sporting nationality. The cases of Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old striker from Barça who has joined La Roja, or Brahim Díaz, from Real Madrid, have been in the news in recent days. But other dual nationals like Ilias Akhomach, playing at Villarreal, have been the subject of debate in recent weeks. The Moroccan Federation would be interested in the young player who played on Friday the friendly match against Uzbekistan (0-0) with the Spanish under-21 team, reports Estadio Deportivo.

In an interview with the Spanish media Relevo, Akhomach clearly indicated that he is fully committed to Spain. "I am Moroccan and I also feel Moroccan. It’s something normal: because of the culture, the home, the religion... my whole environment is Moroccan. Right now, if I’m here, it’s for a reason. I want to be with Spain, but everyone can think what they want. The one who has the decision is me, as a player, and today I’m very happy to be with the Spanish team," assured the young player.

Ilias Akhomach also criticized having to choose his sporting nationality at a very young age. "You are still very young and you don’t know what’s going to happen, but the national team is a matter of feelings, you represent your country. It’s crazy, because you decide when you’re 18, 19 or 20, but it’s something that comes from within, that you can’t change. Today, I’m very happy to be here. Spain has been very good to me..." declared the young player born in Hostalets de Pierola (Catalonia) to Moroccan parents and who still has the possibility of choosing to play for Morocco.

Akhomach joined Villarreal this summer after terminating his contract with Barcelona. The 19-year-old winger was of interest to big clubs like Sevilla and Leeds, but ended up at Villarreal, with whom he signed a contract until June 30, 2026. This season, he has already played two matches with the reserve team and five matches with the first team of the club.