Another Win for Morocco: Royal Antwerp's Youssef Hamdaoui Rejects Belgium

Africa 09 April 2025 at 16:39

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

In fresh victory for Moroccan football, 17 year old Youssef Hamdaoui, promising midfielder at Royal Antwerp has officially chosen to represent Morocco over Belgium according to Moroccan outlet Al Mountakhab.

Another Talent Switches Allegiance

Hamdaoui ’s decision to switch his sporting nationality from Belgium to Morocco adds to growing list of dual nationality players opting for the Atlas Lions. The trend's stirred concern in Belgium with the local media recently raising alarms & even prompting the Belgian Football Association to push FIFA for stricter rules on nationality changes.

A Future with the Atlas Lions

The young midfielder's expected to join Morocco’s youth national teams in the coming months as he begins his journey in the national setup.

Despite his young age, Hamdaoui 's already made impression at Antwerp who featured in the UEFA champions league this season and the club has secured him with professional contract.

One of Belgium’s Brightest Midfield Talents

Regarded as one of the top young midfielders in Belgium, Hamdaoui 's made 18 appearances across Royal Antwerp’s youth teams this season scoring once from his defensive midfield position.