The Netherlands see their 17-year-old gem choose Morocco

The Netherlands appear to have lost the battle for Abdellah Ouazane. Born and trained in Amsterdam, the young Ajax player publicly reaffirmed his choice after the victory over FC Sion (5-3) on Thursday, in the second leg of the Conference League play-off.

Starting throughout the match, Ouazane provided two assists. He also scored a goal that was ultimately disallowed for offside. Ajax qualified for the league phase with a 9-5 aggregate score.

“I’ve made my choice,” he told Ziggo Sport. The player, who discussed this decision with his parents, says that his goal is to wear Morocco’s jersey: “I started with Morocco’s under-15s. Then, you aspire to reach the senior team. I think that stage is getting closer and closer,” reports Voetbal International.

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This statement comes as several voices were still calling for intervention from the Dutch Football Federation. Impressed by his performance, Rafael van der Vaart described Ouazane as an “exceptional” player. The former international has known the Moroccan since the time he played alongside his son Damian.

Van der Vaart even urged the Dutch Football Federation to react immediately: “Send Xavi to see him; perhaps that could have an effect on him.” But the former Real Madrid player himself seems no longer to believe in it: “It appears that he has already made his choice, and that is perfectly normal.”

Asked about a possible approach from the Dutch national team coach, Ouazane suggested that he would listen to what was offered to him, while repeating that his goal remains to play for Morocco. The player had played three matches for the Netherlands under-15s before continuing his international career with Morocco’s national teams.

Mohamed Ouahbi is already preparing for what comes next

Mohamed Ouahbi was in the stands at the Johan Cruijff Arena precisely to watch him. “I learned the day before that the coach was going to come. The fact that he made the trip means something, and it touches me,” the player said.

After the match, Ouahbi and his assistant João Sacramento reportedly met Ouazane at a restaurant in Amsterdam. The Moroccan staff reportedly presented him with the role being considered for him with the Atlas Lions and the various stages of his integration.

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Ouazane already has around thirty appearances with Morocco’s youth teams. In particular, he was voted the best player at the U17 AFCON won by the Young Lions in 2025, before standing out for Morocco at the U17 World Cup.

Under contract with Ajax until June 2028 after his failed transfer to Real Madrid, the midfielder still officially belongs to Jong Ajax. His latest performances are nevertheless bringing him closer to a permanent place in the senior-team dressing room, as well as to a first call-up with the Atlas Lions.