The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has expressed disappointment over Ayoub Oufkir’s decision to represent Morocco, revealing that officials had recently met the AZ Alkmaar winger in an attempt to keep him in the Netherlands’ international setup.
Nigel de Jong, the KNVB’s director of top football, confirmed on Friday, November 6, that the federation had worked to retain the 20-year-old, who was included in Mohamed Ouahbi’s Morocco squad for the Niger qualifiers two days earlier.
Oufkir informed the Dutch federation of his decision on Wednesday, November 4, ending months of uncertainty over which country he intended to represent at senior level.
De Jong and Reiziger Tried to Convince Oufkir
According to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, De Jong and Netherlands U21 coach Michael Reiziger visited AZ Alkmaar’s training complex in late October to discuss Oufkir’s international future.
The meeting was intended to persuade the winger to continue with the Netherlands, where he had progressed through the youth national teams.
De Jong said the KNVB had identified Oufkir’s potential early and made repeated efforts to retain him.
Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad on November 6, he expressed disappointment that the player had ultimately chosen Morocco despite recent discussions.
The Dutch official also acknowledged that international decisions can be difficult for players with dual nationality. He said the federation respected Oufkir’s choice, even though it had hoped for a different outcome.
The decision came shortly before an important international window for the Netherlands U21 side, which faces Denmark in the European Championship qualification play-offs.
Oufkir Played for Netherlands U21 in October
Oufkir’s decision is notable because he was still a regular member of the Netherlands U21 team last month.
The Rotterdam-born winger started three matches under Reiziger in October, against Norway, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also scored against Slovenia.
He previously represented the Netherlands at U19 level and was part of the team that won the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
At club level, Oufkir developed in Sparta Rotterdam’s academy before joining AZ Alkmaar in December 2025.
He signed a contract running until June 2030, with an option for another season.
Oufkir primarily operates as a right winger but can also play on the left. His pace, dribbling and ability to take on defenders give Ouahbi another option in Morocco’s wide attacking positions.
First Morocco Call-Up Ahead of Niger Qualifiers
Oufkir’s inclusion in Morocco’s 26-man squad marks his first senior international selection for the Atlas Lions.
Ouahbi has also selected Brahim Díaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Gessime Yassine, Yassir Zabiri and the returning Youssef En-Nesyri among his attacking options.
Morocco will face Niger on November 13 in Casablanca before meeting the same opponents in Rabat on November 17. Both fixtures are part of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Oufkir’s decision to represent Morocco has been confirmed by his club coach and acknowledged by the KNVB. However, public confirmation of FIFA’s formal approval of his change of association has not yet been identified.
Having previously represented the Netherlands in official youth competitions, his international eligibility is subject to the applicable FIFA change-of-association rules.
His selection therefore represents a clear statement of his intended international future, although a senior Morocco debut remains dependent on eligibility clearance and Ouahbi’s team selection.
For the KNVB, the immediate consequence is the loss of a regular U21 player. Morocco, meanwhile, has added another young winger to its senior squad ahead of two competitive fixtures.
Sources: FCUpdate — Nigel de Jong’s reaction, November 6 · NOS — Oufkir’s Morocco call-up · AZ Alkmaar — Player profile · FIFA — Updated eligibility guidance
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