Anass Salah-Eddine Chooses Morocco Ahead of AFCON

Anass Salah-Eddine has officially switched his sporting nationality to represent Morocco.

The 23-year-old Amsterdam-born defender joins the Atlas Lions just two months before the 2025 AFCON, confirming a move long anticipated by coach Walid Regragui.

FIFA confirmed the decision on its official website, ending weeks of speculation about the player’s international future.

Regragui had hinted in August that a new left-back would soon strengthen his squad but did not reveal the name.

Salah-Eddine’s switch now confirms Morocco’s successful efforts to secure another dual-national talent ahead of a crucial tournament.

The defender began his development at Ajax Amsterdam, where he made his professional debut before moving to FC Twente.

His strong performances earned him a transfer to AS Roma in February 2024.

Loaned to PSV Eindhoven this season, Salah-Eddine has already impressed, particularly in a 6-2 victory over Napoli where his composure and attacking intent stood out.

A modern full-back with great technical ability, Salah-Eddine can play both defensively and further up the left flank.

His intelligence and work rate make him one of the most promising Moroccan prospects in European football.

Internationally, he represented the Netherlands at youth level, winning the 2019 U17 European Championship and earning 13 caps for the U21 team.

However, he always expressed his desire to represent Morocco at senior level, a dream that is now reality.

Salah-Eddine’s arrival adds depth to Morocco’s defence, joining Noussair Mazraoui, Souffian El Karouani, and Youssef Belammari. His inclusion highlights Morocco’s ongoing success in attracting top diaspora talents.