Morocco announced the inclusion of Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid winger, in their team for upcoming friendly matches, thereby halting the rumours regarding his potential future with the Spanish national team.
Reports earlier in the week by Marca and other Spanish outlets had indicated this development, noting that the Spanish national team’s apparent disinterest had influenced Díaz’s choice, with Morocco making efforts to secure his commitment.
In reaction to these reports, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente stated he would respect Díaz’s decision, emphasizing that his squad is open only to those genuinely eager to represent Spain.
Díaz, who had been a fixture in Spain’s youth teams, including those led by De la Fuente, made his only appearance for Spain’s senior team in a friendly against Lithuania in June 2021, where he also scored. This match featured the under-21 team due to the senior squad’s COVID-19 isolation.
FIFA, the international football governing body, handles requests for players wishing to switch national teams, but Díaz’s case is straightforward since he has not played in a competitive match for Spain’s senior team.
Despite being considered a possible selection for De la Fuente’s upcoming squad announcements for friendlies against Colombia and Brazil, Díaz will now represent Morocco in their matches against Angola and Mauritania.
Díaz started his professional career at Manchester City before transferring to Madrid in 2019 and spent a significant period on loan at AC Milan between 2020 and 2023.
His switch comes after Morocco’s notable victory over Spain in the penalty shootout during the 2022 World Cup’s round of 16 in Qatar.
