Ibrahim Rebbaj, a 16-year-old rising star at Chelsea, has chosen to represent Morocco’s youth teams in international competitions, said transfer guru Fabrizio Romano in a post on X/Twitter
“Rebbaj will take part in the U17 African Cup of Nations held in Morocco next month, even with England pushing to get his green light,” said Romano
🔵🇲🇦 Chelsea’s 2009 born talent Ibrahim Rabbaj pledges nationality to the Moroccan national team.
Rabbaj will take part in the U17 African cup of nations held in Morocco next month, even with England pushing to get his green light. pic.twitter.com/bVNlmRzeO0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 24, 2025
This choice ends England’s push to keep him in their youth squad. The English Football Association tried hard to win him over, but Rebbaj’s heart was set on wearing Morocco’s red and green colours.
If coach Walid Regragui calls him up to the senior team next month for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania, Rebbaj could make history as the youngest player to ever join the Atlas Lions. The current record belongs to Bilal El Khannouss, who made his senior debut at 18.
Rebbaj, known for his silky left foot and sharp dribbling skills. He can play as a playmaker in number 10 but also as a right winger.
Rebbaj is the latest bi-national player who chose to represent Morocco after Chemsdine Talbi and Ayoub Bouaddi.
