Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz has decided to represent the Moroccan national team instead of his birth country, Spain. This decision was met with respect from Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente, who emphasized that only players who truly want to play for La Roja are welcome on the squad. Despite having dual citizenship, Díaz's choice was made without any demands or conditions, and De la Fuente confirms that he had not spoken to the player before or after his decision.
In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz has decided to represent Morocco at international level over his birth country, Spain.
The 23-year-old, who has dual citizenship, made the announcement via social media, stating that he felt "a deep connection" to his Moroccan heritage and wanted to represent the country of his parents.
Díaz's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised him for following his heart, while others have questioned his decision, given that he has represented Spain at youth level and has spent his entire professional career in Spain.
However, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed his respect for Díaz's choice, stating that he only wants players who are fully committed to representing La Roja.
"We respect Brahim's decision," De la Fuente said. "We only want players who truly want to play for Spain."
Díaz's decision is not the first time a player with dual nationality has chosen to represent a country other than the one of their birth. In recent years, several other players have made similar choices, including Munir El Haddadi (Morocco), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), and Aymeric Laporte (France).
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Díaz stated that he felt a "deep connection" to his Moroccan heritage and wanted to represent the country of his parents.
No, Díaz has never been capped by Spain at senior level. He has represented Spain at youth level, including at the U-17 and U-21 levels.
De la Fuente has expressed his respect for Díaz's decision, stating that he only wants players who are fully committed to representing La Roja.
Yes, several other players have chosen to represent a country other than the one of their birth in recent years, including Munir El Haddadi, Achraf Hakimi, and Aymeric Laporte.
It is becoming increasingly common for players to change their international allegiance, especially those with dual nationality. FIFA rules allow players to switch international allegiance once before the age of 21 or if they have not played more than three competitive matches for their previous country.
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