Amsterdam – Rayane Bounida, the highly touted young midfielder for Ajax, has officially committed his international future to Morocco, spurning the advances of Belgium where he was also eligible to play. The decision comes as a significant boost for the Moroccan national team and was immediately rewarded with a call-up for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Bounida, who turned 20 on March 3rd, has been a subject of intense speculation regarding his international allegiance. Born in Vilvoorde, Belgium, to parents of Moroccan descent, the dynamic playmaker had represented Belgium at various youth levels – U16, U17, U18, U19, and most recently, the U21 squad, accumulating a combined 48 appearances and 10 goals across those age groups. However, after formally completing the process to switch his national affiliation, the Moroccan national team manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, wasted no time in adding him to the squad for the upcoming matches.
Rising Star at Ajax
Bounida’s development has been closely watched by European football observers. He progressed through the youth academies of KFC Vilvoorde, OH Leuven, and Anderlecht before joining Ajax in 2022. His performances for Jong Ajax, the club’s reserve team, have been particularly impressive, with 8 goals in 29 appearances as of March 14, 2026. He made his senior debut for Jong Ajax on December 9, 2024, scoring a late winner against De Graafschap. He has since made 18 appearances for the Ajax first team, scoring one goal.
The young player’s talent was recognized early on, securing a sponsorship deal with Nike before his 16th birthday and building a substantial following on social media. Reports indicated that his contract with Ajax, signed upon his 16th birthday, included an annual salary of €700,000. His dribbling skills, vision, and growing goal-scoring ability have quickly established him as one of the most promising talents emerging from the Dutch Eredivisie.
A Difficult Decision
The Belgian Football Association had reportedly been keen to retain Bounida’s services, recognizing his potential to become a key player for the Red Devils. However, the lure of representing Morocco, and the opportunity to contribute to a nation with strong familial ties, ultimately proved decisive. The decision was officially communicated to the Belgian FA, prompting the Moroccan national team to swiftly extend an invitation.
Gill Swerts, the Belgium U21 coach, acknowledged the decision, stating that the federation received a letter confirming Bounida’s choice. He wished the player well but emphasized the team’s focus on those committed to representing Belgium. “It’s a decision that belongs to him,” Swerts said, as reported by L’Equipe.
Immediate Impact for Morocco?
Bounida has joined the Moroccan squad in Madrid ahead of their friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. These fixtures will provide him with a valuable opportunity to integrate into the team and showcase his abilities on the international stage. The matches are scheduled as part of Morocco’s preparations for future qualifying campaigns and continental tournaments.
The call-up represents a significant vote of confidence from novel Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi, who clearly believes Bounida can make an immediate contribution. The Moroccan Football Federation will be hoping that Bounida’s arrival will further strengthen their squad and enhance their chances of success in upcoming competitions.
For Bounida, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He will be eager to prove his worth and establish himself as a key player for the Atlas Lions. The matches against Ecuador and Paraguay will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they assess the impact of this exciting young talent on the Moroccan national team.
The Moroccan national team will face Ecuador on March 28th and Paraguay on March 31st. Bounida’s debut will be eagerly anticipated by supporters as he embarks on his international journey.
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