Netherlands eye Safouane Benzahra, Morocco youth international at AS Monaco

This update focuses on Safouane Benzahra Morocco. The quiet tug-of-war over Safouane Benzahra is another sign of how attractive Moroccan talents trained in Europe have become, as the Netherlands try to convince a player already involved with Morocco’s youth teams.

Safouane Benzahra Morocco: a highly sought-after dual national

Safouane Benzahra, 18, plays for AS Monaco and is now on the radar of the Dutch football federation KNVB. Dutch daily De Telegraaf reports that the federation has already held several talks with the player.

Born in Breda, Benzahra is a typical dual-national profile closely watched by several national teams. He can operate as a left midfielder, attacking midfielder or left winger, and has already worn Morocco’s shirt at youth level.

He has made three appearances for Morocco’s U18 side and has also been called up by the U20s. So far, his international career is clearly tied to Morocco’s project, even as the KNVB hopes to lure him into the Oranje set-up.

A path from Breda to Monaco that resonates with MRE families

Before moving to the Principality, Safouane Benzahra came through the NAC Breda academy, where he spent seven years. His rise mirrors the journey of many young Moroccans in Europe, navigating between their training club, their family roots and international ambitions.

In the summer of 2025, he signed for AS Monaco. With Monaco’s U19s, he quickly stood out, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 18 appearances. These numbers confirm his attacking potential and his ability to adapt to a new league.

For Moroccans living abroad, especially in the Netherlands, his story is emotionally charged: one of their own succeeding at a major European club while representing Morocco in the youth teams.

First-team debut and a secured future at Monaco

This season marks a symbolic step for Safouane Benzahra Morocco, with his first minutes in professional football. He came on for one minute against Polish side Górnik Zabrze in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, then played 26 minutes in the return leg.

He later made his Ligue 1 debut in Monaco’s 2-1 away win over Paris Saint-Germain, coming on late in the game. These minutes show that the club from the Principality is counting on him in the medium term.

Further proof of this confidence: according to De Telegraaf, Benzahra has reached a verbal agreement with Monaco to extend his contract until the summer of 2029. This gives him stability to keep progressing, away from the media pressure surrounding his national team choice.

Between Morocco and the Netherlands, a symbolic decision for the diaspora

Benzahra’s situation fits into a broader story familiar to Moroccan families in the Netherlands, France or Belgium: young dual-national players courted by several federations.

For Moroccans abroad, these journeys carry strong emotional weight:

• they highlight success and top-level training in European clubs;
• they strengthen the sense of connection with Morocco when the player opts for the Atlas Lions;
• they show that talents from the diaspora are central to major federations’ strategies.

For now, Safouane Benzahra remains involved with Morocco’s youth squads, while the Netherlands watch and attempt to persuade him. The case will still require distance and official confirmations from the relevant football authorities.

Whatever the outcome, his rise at Monaco underlines the key role of dual-national youngsters in the visibility of Moroccan football, and the particular attention they receive from MRE families, especially in the Netherlands where his story strongly resonates.

Useful links for Moroccans abroad

Moroccans living abroad who closely follow such careers can find official information on national teams and call-ups on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s website (https://frmf.ma/).

For their own projects of return, investment or travel to Morocco, they can also consult Canal212’s dedicated guide on key procedures for Moroccans living abroad, updated on a regular basis.

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