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Just hours before the much-anticipated showdown between Morocco and the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup's round of 32, former Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay ignited widespread debate by openly expressing his support for the Atlas Lions. This comes despite his past participation with the Oranje at the 2010 World Cup finals.
Now serving as a television analyst, Afellay shared on the Dutch channel NOS that his decision is influenced by his deep family connections and love for Morocco. «In this match, my heart is with Morocco. Quite simply because my roots are Moroccan, my parents are from Morocco, and my family lives there. What more can I say?» he remarked.
The former Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven player emphasized that his appreciation for the Netherlands does not detract from his affinity for his ancestral homeland. «I grew up in the Netherlands and I am grateful for that, but when I am asked this question, I answer from the heart. After the match, I will be happy for the winner, but my sympathies remain with Morocco,» he stated.
Afellay’s position has reignited the ongoing discourse surrounding dual-nationality players of Moroccan descent, a topic that has long fueled rivalry between Morocco and the Netherlands. While Afellay, Khalid Boulahrouz, and Adam Maher chose the Dutch national team, others like Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Noussair Mazraoui, and Anass Salah-Eddine have donned the Atlas Lions jersey...
