Brahim Diaz, originally from Malaga and born to Spanish parents, had harbored aspirations of representing Spain throughout his life.
However, growing weary of waiting for a call-up from Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente, Diaz has opted for a change of allegiance, as reported by Marca’s Juan Castro.
According to Castro, the Moroccan Football Federation’s president, Fouzi Lekjaa, and Moroccan minister delegate for the budget, made concerted efforts to persuade Diaz to switch his international allegiance to Morocco.
Despite having previously represented Spain at youth levels, Diaz felt a lack of connection and attention from La Roja and De la Fuente.
As a result of Diaz’s decision, Spain will forfeit the opportunity to harness the talents of the 24-year-old, who possesses the potential to emerge as a key player for Real Madrid.
Despite encountering some setbacks in his career thus far, Diaz has begun to demonstrate his undeniable talent, exemplified by his impressive goal against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
On the other hand, Morocco stands to benefit from acquiring Diaz, adding another skilled and dynamic attacking option to their squad.
Diaz qualifies to represent Morocco, the highest-ranked African team globally, through his paternal grandfather, Brahim Diaz Abdelkader, who was born in Morocco.
He will now have the chance to join forces with another Spanish-born Moroccan standout, Achraf Hakimi.
Should Diaz be included in the Atlas Lions’ squad as anticipated, he will have the opportunity to make his international debut for Morocco against Angola on 22nd March.
Following the international break, Diaz will return to Real Madrid, where they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. After securing a victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday, they currently hold a seven-point lead at the top of the table.