Thiago Pitarch heading to Morocco? The Moroccan Federation goes on the offensive after Luis de la Fuente’s oversight

The Moroccan Football Federation is intensifying its recruitment strategy to avoid a new "Lamine Yamal case". Inspired by the Argentine "Europibes" program, Morocco is closely monitoring young talents playing in Europe, particularly Thiago Pitarch. At 18 years old, the Real Madrid midfielder, who filled in for the injured Jude Bellingham, was not called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s latest gathering. According to La Razón, this situation leaves the door open for the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

On Bladi.net: Thiago Pitarch prefers Spain: A new Lamine Yamal scenario for Morocco?

The recent episodes of racism in Spain now serve as a powerful argument for the Moroccan Federation. Lamine Yamal’s indignation, the target of Islamophobic chants during a match against Egypt in Cornellà, has left a mark. For the Moroccan sports authorities, these incidents could influence the decision of dual-national players seeking respect. The choice of a national team then becomes an identity issue where the player seeks to feel "valued and supported by the fans".

Morocco offers an environment where players of Moroccan origin find a "strong sense of belonging and popular support". In contrast to the sometimes hostile climate of Spanish stadiums, the Moroccan project relies on the pride and respect perceived on and off the field. This approach aims to convince profiles like Pitarch that representing Morocco is a choice that "goes beyond football", intimately linked to their roots and their dignity.

On Bladi.net: Thiago Pitarch rejects Morocco’s advances (for now)

While Spain offers a consolidated structure, Morocco has gained considerable international prestige in recent years. The Moroccan Federation hopes that reflections on the career environment will push young talents to take the plunge. The objective is clear: to transform the unease felt in the face of the excesses in Spain into a lever to build a competitive national team, driven by players proud to wear the colors of a nation that protects them from discrimination.