Rabat — Eliesse Ben Seghir has described his past year at AS Monaco as “special” and credits Morocco coach Walid Regragui with helping him develop.
Speaking on French TV Telefoot, Ben Seghir singled out advice from Regragui that changed his game. “My goal against Benfica was a special moment for me because I learned a new way to move on the field. It’s Walid Regragui who advised me to attack the penalty area and trust my teammates if I wanted to become a great player,” he said.
The 19-year-old opened up about his decision to represent Morocco, calling it easy even though it drew controversy. “I knew I wanted Morocco. I understand that this decision sparked a lot of debate, but I was ready to make this choice, and I absolutely do not regret it,” he explained.
Regragui played a key role in making him feel assured about his decision. “He contacted me multiple times to talk about joining the Atlas Lions,” Ben Seghir said. “My parents are of Moroccan origin, and I have a strong connection to Morocco, even though I didn’t grow up there. So, this choice was obvious to me.”
The rising star has been capped eight times, scored three goals, and provided two assists. He also helped the Moroccan Olympic team win bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games this past summer in Paris.
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At Monaco, he has been quite impressive since the start of this season. The playmaking left-winger has so far played 16 games, including 12 as a starter. And he has scored five goals and provided three assists.
The prominent French magazine L’Équipe recently featured Eliesse Ben Sghir in the team of the first-half season, along with his countryman and Paris Saint Germain superstar Achraf Hakimi.
The Moroccan player also won Player of the Month for Monaco in November and has also secured a spot among the 25 finalists for this year’s Golden Boy award by Tuttosport. The prestigious trophy aims to recognize and celebrate the best player under the age of 21 in Europe’s leading football leagues.
Ben Seghir spoke emphatically of his ambitions in the Telefoot interview: “I’m determined to help the team win the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Sure, it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible.”
