Khaberni - Ryan Bounejdah, the talent of Ajax Amsterdam, has ignited a new war between Morocco and Belgium, just months before the start of the 2026 World Cup competitions.
The promising winger was born in Belgium in 2006 to Moroccan parents, and can therefore represent the Red Devils and the Atlas Lions at the international level.
The former Anderlecht player shone during the current edition of the Dutch league, contributing to 5 goals through assists and scoring in 13 matches he participated in the competition.
The following report examines 3 crucial factors that will determine Ryan Bounejdah's decision regarding his international future.
The player, nicknamed "the new Ziyech," after Hakim Ziyech, the former Ajax and Morocco national team star, aspires to participate in the 2026 World Cup finals.
He is likely to choose the sports project that allows him to be present in the global competition, which will take place next summer in North America.
The World Cup draw placed the Atlas Lions in Group Three alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, while the Red Devils are in Group Seven with Iran, Egypt, and New Zealand.
Ryan Bounejdah is likely to choose the national team that will provide him with sufficient sporting guarantees regarding playing time.
The competition appears strong at the right wing position in the Moroccan national team, with the presence of Brahim Diaz, Elias Akhomach, and Shamseddine Talbi.
In contrast, his chances seem better with the Belgian national team, which has launched a wide rejuvenation process after the end of the golden generation era.
This factor is very important in determining the final choice of Ajax Amsterdam's talent regarding his international future.
Bounejdah has already represented most of Belgium's youth national teams, and his last appearance dates back to November during the match that the under-21 team lost against Austria with a score of one-nil.
It is worth mentioning that the Moroccan national team includes a large number of players who graduated from the youth academies of European clubs, which might ease the player's adaptation, should he decide to wear its shirt.
