Morocco have finalised their squad for the African Cup of Nations, and there were two absences that will have contented Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Lamine Yamal and Brahim Diaz. The former has now played four matches for the Spanish senior side, ruling him out for Morocco, but the Real Madrid forward is still eligible for the Atlas Lions.
Brahim was capped once by de la Fuente when the under-21 side appeared in lieu of the senior side against Lithuania in 2021 due to Covid protocols, scoring in the process. The Real Madrid forward has been a target for Morocco for some time, but prefers to play for Spain. However he has plenty of affection for country of his father, and does not want to rule out playing for them in case a Spain career does not happen.
#RealMadrid feel that Brahim should be receiving better treatment from Spain and the RFEF.
They don't understand why Lamine Yamal has been called up twice with worse numbers than Brahim, when they are both eligible for Morocco. (Relevo) pic.twitter.com/R9STDwoFNH
— Football España (@footballespana_) December 28, 2023
He would need to play three more matches in order to be tied to Spain, and Relevo say that if he continues his current form, he will be called up for the March friendlies when La Roja face Colombia and Brazil.
Given Brahim is just 24 years of age, and is already standing out for Real Madrid, it is understandable that both nations are keen to have him. Morocco and Spain are set for a number of battles over nationality in the coming years, with plenty of migration from Morocco to the Iberian peninsula. Spain look set to gain the allegiance of Brahim, but they have already persuaded Ez Abde and Munir El Haddadi to switch to the Moroccan national team.
