Mohamed Ihattaren chooses Morocco over Netherlands
Dutch-Moroccan footballer Mohamed Ihattaren has officially committed to representing Morocco at international level, ending years of speculation about his allegiance.
The Moroccan international, whose current deal runs until 2027, is set to commit his long-term future to the Spanish giants, with negotiations well underway for a multi-year extension.
"Brahim has shown he's a vital part of our plans," a club source reportedly said. "His flair and versatility are exactly what we need for the future." The forward, who joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Manchester City, has won over fans and club officials alike with his dynamic performances at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His latest contract renewal, signed in June 2023, underscored his growing importance, and this new deal cements his role as a key figure for at least the next half-decade.
This season, Brahim Diaz has contributed six goals and seven assists in 51 appearances, earning praise for his creativity and work rate. His performances have also caught the eye of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who is said to admire the forward's unique skill set. "Brahim brings something different to the squad," Alonso reportedly said, highlighting the player's ability to unlock defences.
Looking ahead, Diaz faces a demanding schedule both at club and international level. Real Madrid are gearing up for their usual trio of competitions, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, while Brahim's commitments with Morocco add further intensity.
The Atlas Lions have World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Niger and Zambia in September, with additional matches in October. The standout challenge comes in December, when Morocco host the CAF Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December to 18 January. Diaz and his teammates will face Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in the group stage, with the weight of home expectations to lift the trophy.
The road to 2026 offers no respite, with more FIFA international dates, club duties, and the potential for Morocco to compete at the World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The Atlas Lions, who finished fourth in Qatar 2022, are on track to qualify and aim to build on their historic achievement.