Hakimi: Morocco is a choice of the heart and belonging.

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi confirmed that his choice to represent the national team instead of Spain was not linked to any sporting calculations, but was a decision stemming from personal conviction and a strong sense of belonging, noting that his success with the "Atlas Lions," along with several other players, has encouraged a new generation of dual nationality holders to wear the Moroccan jersey.

The captain of the Moroccan national team, in an interview with "Onze Mondial" magazine, before the upcoming match between the Moroccan team and its Dutch counterpart in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, recounted the details of the decision he made early on to represent Morocco, despite being born in Madrid and having trained at the Real Madrid academy, saying: "For me, it was a choice from the heart, a choice of love... I cannot forget the significant role of my parents; I knew exactly their views on this matter, but in the end, it was an internal feeling, as I have always carried this love for my country."

Achraf Hakimi explained that his Moroccan identity was formed from childhood within the family, stating: "I grew up in this culture, at home 'we live for Arab, Islamic, and Moroccan culture'... For me, it was obvious; my upbringing guided my choice, and I knew well what I wanted to represent, Morocco and no other team."

The Moroccan international pointed out that his decision, along with the choices of other players, had a direct impact on changing the perception of many dual nationality talents towards the Moroccan national team, adding: "It is true that my choice affected, in one way or another, other players... I remember that after me, Hakim Ziyech chose to represent Morocco instead of the Netherlands, and when players like us choose their parents' country instead of their country of birth, while continuing to play in the biggest European clubs, it makes things easier for the new generations."

The player added: "They are realizing that they can make this decision and continue to shine at the highest levels. Together with other players, we have opened the way for young talents. I am very happy to see this new generation choosing Morocco; it is very positive for the development of the national team and the country, and it shows that we are moving in the right direction and making the necessary progress."

Despite praising the role he played in this transformation, Hakimi emphasized that he does not consider himself the only model, recalling the names of African stars who have previously combined representing their national teams with success in the biggest European clubs, saying: "I remember great players like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, and Emmanuel Adebayor... all of them excelled in big clubs, while at the same time representing African national teams... for us, they have always been role models and examples to follow."