Ayoub Oufkir chose Morocco over the Netherlands

◆2 sources

AZ winger Ayoub Oufkir, 20, chose to represent Morocco after previously playing for Dutch youth teams. He had won the European Under-19 Championship with the Netherlands and had appeared in European Championship qualifying for the Dutch under-21 side.

The KNVB said it was disappointed but respected his personal decision, saying it had tried to retain him. Netherlands coach Xavi said he respected Oufkir’s choice and that there was no need to discuss him further. The reports described the decision as part of a recurring pattern of dual-nationality players choosing Morocco, including Anass Salah-Eddine last year.

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Ayoub Oufkir chooses Morocco

7 sources

AZ attacker Ayoub Oufkir, 20, was called up by Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi for two Africa Cup qualifying matches against Niger. Oufkir had previously represented Dutch youth teams, including the Netherlands Under-19 side that won the 2025 European Championship, and made his Netherlands Under-21 debut in October, playing against Norway, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Oufkir chose an international career with Morocco. His switch becomes final if he plays for Morocco against Niger, meaning he can no longer represent the Netherlands senior team.

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