Yassine Bono, Morocco’s starting goalkeeper, literally played a big hand in the Atlas Lions’ penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands as his save advanced them to the Round of 16. And it was a game of some sentimental value for a few of the Moroccans, considering they call the Netherlands home given they were born there. There are a number of homecomings that have happened and will happen in the Rounds 32 and 16.
Former Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart speaking back in March said this about the potential of facing Morocco:
It’s this common belief that players that decide to represent the nation of their heritage (I.e. African/Asian/North or South American) over their European birthplace is because they weren’t good enough for Europe. Has it occurred to people like Van der Vaart that the choice is made because they felt wanted?
That’s how Hakim Ziyech felt.
Born and raised in Dronten, Netherlands, Hakim Ziyech was met with a decision in 2015 on which nation he should represent in international competition: Netherlands or Morocco. In the end, he selected the Atlas Lions. He said he “always felt Moroccan” and “you choose with you heart.” What must’ve aided the decision is the efforts the Morocco Football Fédération put forth in trying to get him to represent Morocco, such as maintaining contact, presenting him with a long-term sporting vision, and making him one of the big faces of the team (Source: BBC). Ziyech is not a member of the Morocco national team this World Cup, but several players are born in the Netherlands representing Morocco, such as Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine. But other players in the 2026 World Cup are encountering the same experience, facing their “what could’ve been” team, but still exhibit pride for the country of heritage they chose to represent.
Aaron Wan Bissaka is one of those people, and he’s gone on to praise his selection of representing Democratic Republic of Congo, stating, “It’s my country, where my parents come from. I grew up in a Congolese household, and I’m proud to represent it.” (Source: All Football)
No cajoling needed. He selected DR Congo.
Now Bono, who was born in Quebec, Canada, will represent Morocco while facing his birth nation Canada in the Round of 16. Bounou, under his volition, chose to represent the Atlas Lions over Canada. Let’s see if they can advance to the quarterfinals by knocking out one of the host nations.
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