Rabat – Moroccan international Soufiane El-Faouzi has explained his decision to represent Morocco rather than Germany, describing his commitment to the Atlas Lions as a personal choice driven by emotion and his positive experience with the national team.
Speaking to Sky Sports following Schalke’s goalless draw against Elversberg, the 24-year-old midfielder reflected on his first appearance for Morocco and the reasons behind his international decision.
“I received an invitation in May and had already been with Morocco,” El-Faouzi said, recalling his international debut in the Atlas Lions’ 5-0 friendly win over Burundi.
Because the match was a friendly, the midfielder remained eligible to represent Germany.
However, El-Faouzi explained that his experience with the Moroccan national team had left a lasting impression.
“It was a friendly match. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the experience and had a good relationship with the coach,” he said.
He described his subsequent decision to continue with Morocco as “a decision from the heart.”
El-Faouzi excited by Morocco’s progress
The Schalke midfielder also pointed to Morocco’s performances at the last two FIFA World Cups as an important source of motivation.
“The last two World Cups were very strong for Morocco,” he said, expressing enthusiasm about becoming part of the national team’s continuing development.
El-Faouzi added that he was excited about joining the squad again and contributing to its future.
His comments follow speculation about a possible call-up to Germany under Jurgen Klopp.
The midfielder reportedly attracted the attention of the German national team’s coaching staff, but he was not included in Klopp’s first squad of 44 players.
Instead, Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi selected El-Faouzi for the upcoming international fixtures.
Morocco call-up offers competitive debut opportunity
El-Faouzi could now make his first competitive appearance for Morocco during the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Atlas Lions will host Gabon in Rabat on September 25 before facing Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on September 29.
Morocco will also play Ghana in a friendly in Tangier on October 4.
Having already played international football for Morocco, El-Faouzi hopes to earn more playing time and establish himself in Ouahbi’s squad.
