Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida has received his first call-up to the Morocco national team, just days after informing the Royal Belgian FA that he would represent the Atlas Lions internationally. The decision marks a significant moment for the 20-year-old, who was previously eligible for Belgium.
The Moroccan Football Federation acted swiftly following Bounida’s declaration, adding him to the squad for the current international window. While initially not included in the original roster for upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay, the federation moved to include the promising talent once his decision became official.
“The adventure begins,” the Moroccan national team posted on social media, signaling their excitement about welcoming Bounida to the squad. This call-up potentially opens the door for Bounida to feature in Morocco’s squad for this summer’s major international tournament.
Bounida’s Rise and International Choice
Born in Vilvoorde, Belgium, on March 3, 2006, Rayane Bounida has quickly emerged as a highly-rated prospect in European football. He progressed through the youth ranks at Anderlecht before making a move to Ajax at the age of 16, reportedly signing a professional contract with an annual salary of €700,000. Bounida has represented Belgium at various youth levels, including the U16, U17, U18, and U19 teams, and recently earned two caps for the U21 side.
Gill Swerts, the Belgium Under-21 coach, confirmed that Bounida was omitted from the latest squad due to his choice to play for Morocco. According to Swerts, the Belgian FA received a letter formally confirming Bounida’s decision and wished him well in his future endeavors. This decision follows similar choices made by Chemsdine Talbi, who opted to represent Morocco before the Africa Cup of Nations, and Konstantinos Karetsas, who chose Greece in 2025.
Impact at Ajax
Bounida has begun to make an impact at Ajax, featuring for the club’s reserve team, Jong Ajax, since December 9, 2024. He has made 29 appearances for Jong Ajax, scoring 8 goals. He has likewise broken into the first team, making 18 appearances and contributing with one goal. His ability to play centrally or wide makes him a versatile option for Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip.
Described as a child prodigy, Bounida garnered significant attention from a young age, securing a sponsorship deal with Nike and building a substantial social media following before his 16th birthday. His technical ability and potential have made him one of Belgium’s most promising dual-national players.
What Which means for Morocco
The addition of Rayane Bounida provides Morocco with another exciting attacking option. His versatility and goal-scoring ability could prove valuable as the team prepares for upcoming competitions. The Moroccan national team will be hoping Bounida can quickly adapt to the international level and contribute to their success.
Bounida’s decision to represent Morocco underscores the growing appeal of the Atlas Lions, who have become a competitive force in African football. The team’s recent performances, including a strong showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, have attracted players of Moroccan descent from across Europe.
Next Steps for Bounida
Rayane Bounida will now join the Morocco national team camp and begin preparations for their upcoming matches. He will be eager to make his senior international debut and showcase his talent on the global stage. The upcoming matches will provide a valuable opportunity for Bounida to integrate into the team and demonstrate his potential.
The Moroccan national team is scheduled to play Ecuador and Paraguay in the coming weeks. These matches will serve as important preparation for the major tournament this summer. Fans will be watching closely to see how Bounida performs and whether he can make an immediate impact on the team.
As Bounida embarks on this new chapter in his career, he will undoubtedly be looking to make a significant contribution to the Moroccan national team. His talent and potential suggest that he could become a key player for the Atlas Lions for years to come.
What are your thoughts on Rayane Bounida’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.
