Baouf: Playing the World Cup is a childhood dream

The Dutch newspaper AD wrote yesterday, Monday, that Moroccan international Ismail Baouf, defender of the Dutch club SC Cambuur, aspires to join the ranks of the national football team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

The newspaper pointed out that the Moroccan player, who won the U-20 World Cup and who was called up for the first time to the national team last March, has not yet played a single minute with the “Atlas Lions”, highlighting that his rapid development within his team maintains the possibility of him being called up for the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The same 20-year-old player said: "If it were up to me, I would have joined without hesitation. Playing in the World Cup is a childhood dream," according to what was reported by the Dutch newspaper.

AD did not rule out the possibility that the national voter, Mohamed Wehbe, would include Baouf, with whom he won the Under-20 World Cup, to the national team. However, the player, who contributed greatly to Cambuur's rise to the Eredivisie League, stressed that performance on the field remains the decisive factor, saying: "That may help, but in the end what you provide on the field is the most important. I hope I get my chance."

The newspaper added that, in recent months, Baouf's name has become widespread in several clubs, including Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. Despite his contract with Cambuur, the player did not rule out staying for an additional season to accompany the team in the Eredivisie, while keeping the door open to leaving if he received a concrete offer from one of the two clubs.

Baouf said: “I would like to help Cambuur for an additional season, but if Ajax or PSV contact me, and the negotiations go well, why not?”

At the end of last March, Cambuur had guaranteed his return to the Eredivisie League, six rounds before the end of the tournament. Moroccan international Ismail Baouf is considered one of the most prominent contributors to this achievement, after a distinguished season in which he demonstrated defensive solidity, in addition to a remarkable offensive contribution, by scoring six goals and providing one assist.

Baouf was also crowned the best player in the third period of the season, confirming his pivotal role in the team’s path. According to the Transfer Market website, its market value is estimated at approximately 2.5 million euros.

The player played in the Belgian club Anderlecht, where he played 49 matches in the Challenger Pro League, and emerged as the captain of the RSC Anderlecht Futures team, before the Belgian club decided not to renew his contract last summer.