Morocco tracks nearly 3,000 diaspora players across Europe

Morocco's football federation maintains a database of nearly 3,000 Moroccan players across Europe as part of a long-term strategy to recruit dual nationals, according to an in-depth report by The Athletic.

The database, managed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's diaspora scouting department, tracks Moroccan players from as young as eight or nine years old. The network, coordinated by Rabie Takassa and supported by scouts based in Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Scandinavia, monitors players throughout their development while building relationships with their families.

The report says the strategy has played a major role in Morocco's recent success, with 19 of the 26 players selected for the 2026 World Cup born outside the kingdom. Among its biggest successes are Brahim Diaz, who switched from Spain in 2024, and Ayyoub Bouaddi, who opted for Morocco over France shortly before the tournament after meetings with FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The Athletic also reveals that Morocco made an extensive effort to convince Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to represent the Atlas Lions, with Walid Regragui and Lekjaa both meeting the player and his family before he ultimately chose Spain.