Rising Star Rayane Bounida Makes Belgian U21 Debut Amid International Career Crossroads

The Belgian-Moroccan player is part of the group called up by coach Gill Swerts to face Belarus this Thursday, September 4, as part of the first qualifying match for Euro 2027. His selection also includes other newcomers such as Kaye Furo and Martin Delavallée.

This call-up comes in a particular context for Bounida, who holds dual Belgian and Moroccan nationality and has not yet made a final choice for his senior international career. The player has already been captain of the Belgian U19 team and has participated in a training camp with the Moroccan youth teams.

Alongside his national team career, Rayane Bounida has recently consolidated his position at the club level. After leaving Anderlecht for Ajax in 2022, he signed a three-year contract with the first team last February, with an additional year as an option. "I was quite worried," he commented on the period before this signing. "I understand that people wondered where I was. Everyone follows their own path. I never compared myself to others, but I always hoped that my patience would be rewarded."

The 19-year-old player now has clear goals for the rest of his career in Amsterdam. "Next year, I hope to become a permanent member of the first team," he said. "It would be great to play the Champions League and be able to please the fans."