Abdellah Ouazane, a new Moroccan pride spotlighted by L’Équipe

This update focuses on Abdellah Ouazane Morocco. At just 17, attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, developed at Ajax and already a Moroccan international, is emerging as a new source of pride for Moroccan football and for many families of Moroccan origin across Europe.

Abdellah Ouazane Morocco, between Amsterdam and Rabat

Born in Amsterdam in January 2009, Abdellah Ouazane grew up in one of Europe’s most renowned academies. After spells with youth teams of both the Netherlands and Morocco, he ultimately chose to represent the country of his parents.

This decision reflects a strong trend among young people from Moroccan communities abroad, who juggle two cultures but want to keep a concrete connection to Morocco. For families settled in Europe, seeing a player born in Amsterdam wear the red and green shirt strengthens the sense of continuity between generations.

A rising star already capped by the Atlas Lions

The French sports daily L’Équipe has devoted a detailed profile to the youngster under the headline “Abdellah Ouazane, Morocco’s new gem”. The piece looks back at his early steps with the national team and the speed of his rise.

Handed his debut by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Abdellah Ouazane made his first official appearance for the Atlas Lions on 25 September in Rabat, in a 2–0 win over Gabon. On that occasion, he became the second-youngest player ever to feature for Morocco in an official match.

L’Équipe also recalls his impact at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco. Ouazane was named player of the tournament and helped the Moroccan team win the continental title against Mali after a penalty shootout.

Ajax Amsterdam as a springboard to the top

At club level, Abdellah Ouazane is emerging as one of Ajax Amsterdam’s brightest prospects. Promoted early to the U-19 squad in the 2024–2025 season, he quickly attracted interest from major European clubs. A move to Real Madrid was even considered at the end of that campaign.

In the end, Ajax decided to integrate him into the first team in the summer of 2026, under Spanish coach Michel (Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz). For young Moroccans born in Europe, his trajectory sends a clear message: it is possible to grow inside a big European club while staying firmly committed to the Morocco national team.

On 16 August, during his first official appearance in the Dutch league, he immediately made an impact. Coming off the bench, he scored with a curling shot into the top corner from outside the box, confirming the praise for his technical and tactical qualities.

A role model for young Moroccans abroad

L’Équipe notes that Abdellah Ouazane is highly versatile, able to play as a box-to-box midfielder, playmaker or winger. These positions help him develop his speed, defensive work and vision.

For Moroccans living abroad, Abdellah Ouazane Morocco sends several important signals:

• you can thrive at a major European club and still choose Morocco at international level;
• the national team staff is ready to trust young dual nationals very early;
• tournaments held in Morocco, such as the U-17 AFCON, have become real showcases for this generation.

Beyond the football dream, his path also feeds reflection among many families about how their children maintain strong ties with Morocco. Between school, career ambitions and regular trips between Europe and the Kingdom, these youngsters live on both shores and openly embrace their dual identity.

If his progress continues, the name Abdellah Ouazane is likely to be heard often in the coming years, whether in Moroccan living rooms or in cafés, barbershops and local clubs frequented by Moroccan communities in Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels and other European cities.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.