Belgian-born footballer Rayane Bounida has made his final decision regarding his international allegiance, opting to represent Morocco. The 17-year-old midfielder, who plays for the youth academy of Belgian club KRC Genk, had been eligible for both nations.
Bounida's choice was confirmed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The talented playmaker is considered one of the top prospects in his age group and has previously represented Belgium at youth levels.
The decision is a significant boost for Morocco's future football prospects, securing a player highly regarded in European youth football. Bounida is expected to join Morocco's youth national team setup as he continues his development at Genk.
Such choices are common in football for dual-nationality players, often influenced by heritage, career path, and the sporting project presented by each federation. Bounida's selection follows the path of several other European-born talents who have chosen to represent the Atlas Lions in recent years.
