Bundesliga Players’ Involvement in AFCON 2025: A Focus on Morocco
The inaugural section of our Get German Football News coverage on “Bundesliga at AFCON” zeroes in on the host nation for the upcoming 2025 tournament. Two players from the Bundesliga, with differing trajectories in their respective teams, are set to travel south to assist the “Lions of the Atlas” in their quest for their first continental title since 1976. Under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui, whose team currently holds the 11th position in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco is optimistic about emulating the success achieved by the 2023 hosts and champions, Côte d’Ivoire.
Morocco: The Atlas Lions
A decade after it was originally slated to host AFCON, Morocco is finally prepping to welcome this grand football event. Fans were visibly upset when the country withdrew from hosting the 2015 tournament due to safety concerns regarding the Ebola virus, leading to severe repercussions from the African Football Confederation (CAF), including disqualification and relocation of the tournament to Equatorial Guinea. This incident resulted in many football enthusiasts expressing disappointment in Morocco.
Morocco rekindled interest with impressive performances in the 2017 and 2019 tournaments, both under the renowned French coach Hervé Renard, who managed to take the teams to the knockout stages. Despite a lackluster showing in the 2018 World Cup, their brave selection of players captured attention, as did the solid performance by the 2021 quarterfinal team organized by Vahid Halilhodzic. However, the exit of the impressive Walid Regragui-coached squad in 2023, at the hands of South Africa in the Round of 16, left marked memories.
It’s worth noting that many Germans missed Morocco’s stellar semi-final journey in the 2022 World Cup due to a boycott of the tournament. As discussion arises regarding future World Cup participation, there appears to be renewed interest in the North African nation.
Overview of Moroccan Representation in German Football
Historically, prominent Moroccan footballers like Younes Belhanda, Youssef Mokhtari, and Mehdi Benatia have played in Germany, while Rachid Azzouzi transitioned from player to a respected figure in German football administration. Additionally, homegrown talent Hamadi Al Ghaddioui made a notable mark within the league.
Current squad leader Achraf Hakimi is still fondly remembered among German fans, although it has been over five years since he was with Borussia Dortmund. Other names like Mimoun Azaouagh, Hamza Mendyl, Amine Harit, Nassim Boujellab, and Ayman Akhil remain relevant in German football discussions, especially with many having played for Schalke 04.
Recently, however, controversies arose with players like Noussair Mazraoui and Anwar El Ghazi due to social media comments related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, generating mixed reactions regarding disciplinary actions taken against them.
Bundesliga Representatives for Morocco at AFCON
Bilal El Khannouss, VfB Stuttgart
El Khannouss emerges as a celebrated talent in German football, having demonstrated remarkable prowess with six goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. At just 21, his enthusiasm for the German language and football culture has notably endeared him to fans. Stuttgart appears to have secured a significant asset just before the transfer deadline, swiftly compensating for player departures by showing off the dynamic qualities of the young Moroccan.
His agility, creativity, and exceptional first touch make the Belgian-born youngster a promising candidate to rise to stardom ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Eliesse Ben Seghir, Bayer 04 Leverkusen
On the contrary, Ben Seghir’s situation is less than stellar. The €32 million acquisition, aimed at filling the gap left by Florian Wirtz, is yet to score or assist in his appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. Struggling to secure a position in coach Kasper Hjulmand’s starting lineup, he heads to AFCON after sitting out six out of his last seven matches.
Hjulmand has indicated that opportunities for Ben Seghir will arise, but the current setup—emphasizing pace and unity on the left flank—has left the 20-year-old looking hesitant and error-prone on the field. However, being young, he has ample time to refine his skills and make an impact when given the chance.
