Morocco Delivers a Knockout to the Netherlands as Anas Salahuddin Chooses the Atlas Lions
22 October 2025
Anas Salahuddin Officially Eligible to Represent Morocco
The Moroccan Football Federation sealed another tactical victory by officially confirming 22-year-old Anas Salahuddin's eligibility to represent Morocco, after he obtained the FIFA sporting passport.
Morocco has long competed with the Netherlands for dual-national talents, and this time the balance tilts in favor of the Atlas Lions as the project to recruit European-based stars continues to gain ground.
Salahuddin expressed his happiness and readiness to join the Atlas Lions’ upcoming camp, speaking to Koora after the decision was made official.
The Duel for Dual-National Talent Continues
The rivalry between Morocco and the Netherlands over dual-national talents has featured high-profile chapters in recent years, with Morocco steadily pulling in a growing list of players who could have lined up for the Dutch system in the past.
Morocco’s emergence in this space has coincided with a broader scouting effort across Europe, aiming to reinforce the national team ahead of major competitions.
Hakim Ziyech and Nouss Mazraoui are often cited as emblematic of this shift, though Salahuddin’s case marks a new milestone in the ongoing narrative of dual-national recruitment.
Immediate Impact and Future Prospects
The timing of Salahuddin's eligibility aligns with a major moment for his club Eindhoven, who crushed Napoli 6-2 in a Champions League encounter. Moroccan teammates Sabiri and Driush contributed goals, underscoring the Moroccan influence within the squad.
Following the decision, Walid Regragui immediately moved to call Salahuddin into the national team setup, signaling a belief in the player's potential to strengthen the squad ahead of Africa Cup of Nations duties.
Competition for the Left-Back Slot
In the left-back position, Salahuddin is set to contest a spot with established names such as Youssef Belamri of Raja Casablanca and Sufian Kroani of FC Utrecht, offering the coach valuable depth in a pivotal area of the pitch.
The ongoing race for this position reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of widening its talent pool to ensure tactical flexibility and depth as AFCON approaches.
A Step Forward in Morocco's Talent Project
The Anas Salahuddin development is part of a long-running, multi-layered battle for dual-national players, with Morocco gradually turning the tide in its favor. The national program continues to reap benefits from a robust network of scouts and affiliates across Europe, contributing to a rising standard in Moroccan football at both youth and senior levels.
As Salahuddin joins the ranks, Morocco’s talent project looks set to strengthen further, reinforcing their standing on the continental stage and signaling that the Atlas Lions are no longer content to chase success – they’re designing it.
Morocco’s football revolution, powered by a growing cadre of young players, is carving a path for sustained success in AFCON and beyond.
Punchline 1: If patience were a weapon, Morocco just filed for an accelerated AFCON upgrade. Punchline 2: With Anas Salahuddin in the squad, the left-back position finally has a roadmap—straight to Morocco’s maritime coast of glory.
