Morocco Targets Premier League Star Issa Diop for National Team Switch

The Moroccan Football Federation FRMF is actively working to secure more high profile talents with dual or even triple nationalities to bolster the squad ahead of AFCON 2025 and the World Cup qualifiers 2026.

Issa Diop ـــــ Morocco’s Next Big Target

The latest player on Morocco’s radar is Issa Diop, the Fulham defender who has been standout performer in the English Premier League. According to Moroccan outlet Al Mountakhab, the 28 year old center back's given his initial approval to represent the Atlas Lions.

Diop's requested more time to finalize his decision, meaning he won't be part of Morocco’s squad for the Mar international break. Instead he's expected to make his debut during the June FIFA window when Morocco faces Tunisia & Benin in friendly matches as part of their preparations for 2025 AFCON.

Following in Brahim Diaz’s Footsteps

Diop’s situation mirrors that of Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid star who also took additional time before committing to Morocco under coach Walid Regragui.

Born in France in 1997, Diop's Senegalese heritage from his father and Moroccan mother making him eligible to play for 3 different national teams. He previously represented France’s youth teams and was even included in extended squad for Les Bleus at 1 point.

A Proven PL Defender

Diop emerged from Toulouse’s youth academy before making the switch to West Ham United and later Fulham in england.

EPL Appearances 158 match

• Goals: 7
• Assists: 2
• Market Value: 20 million euro (Transfermarkt), down from 35 million euro in 2019.

With Morocco successfully securing Shamsdine Talbi from Club Brugge over Belgium, Issa Diop could soon become the latest high profile addition to the Atlas Lions’ squad.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.