Brahim Díaz has been named in Morocco’s squad for two upcoming friendlies this month, putting an end to speculations regarding his international future with the Spanish national team.
Reports from Spanish media outlets earlier this week, including the Spanish daily Marca, indicated Díaz’s selection for the Moroccan squad. It was suggested that the lack of interest from the Spanish national team played a role in his decision, with Morocco actively pursuing his recruitment.
In response to these reports, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente stated that he would respect Díaz’s decision. He emphasized that only players who are committed to representing Spain would be welcomed into his squad.
Díaz has been a regular in Spain’s youth squads, some of which were managed by De la Fuente. His only senior appearance for Spain came in a friendly match against Lithuania in June 2021, where he scored a goal.
However, he was part of the under-21 squad for that game due to senior players being unavailable because of COVID-19 protocols. As Díaz has never played a competitive senior match for Spain, FIFA must process any request for a player to change national-team eligibility. Given his circumstances, his case is straightforward.
Despite being considered a potential candidate for the Spanish squad based on his performances for Real Madrid this season, the 24-year-old will instead join Morocco for friendlies against Angola and Mauritania.
Díaz began his senior career with Manchester City before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. He also had a notable loan spell at AC Milan from 2020 to 2023. Notably, Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout during the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
