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Rabat — Lazio prodigy Reda Belhyane has made his choice clear. The new Lazio player spoke at a press conference, explaining why he picked Morocco over France.
“The choice to play with Morocco? There are many strong players in the national team who play in Europe,” he said.
Belhayane shut down any talk of a conflict between Morocco and France. “There was no competition from the French, because from an early age I knew that I would play for Morocco. I wanted to honor my family, my parents are Moroccan and I always wanted to play for Morocco.”
The 19-year-old knows he still has a lot to learn. “Being a young player means that I have to improve in many things, certainly in heading strikes in addition to physical fitness to be an international midfielder.”
On his role model, Belhayane looks up to N’Golo Kante. “He is a humble player, works hard, recovers many balls and is not afraid of interventions.”
Italian club Lazio confirmed last Monday that they signed the Moroccan midfielder. Belahyane came from Hellas Verona on a loan deal with a €13-million obligation to buy at the end of the season.
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The 24-year-old only joined Hellas Verona in January last year for a reported €500,000. Since then, he’s impressed with two assists in his 22 appearances for the club this season.
The up-and-coming defensive midfielder signed his first professional contract with Nice in June 2021 at the young age of 17.
Belhayane is quite a technical and creative player, aggressive and willing to win the ball back. The Paris native started at INF Clairefontaine before joining Nice in the summer of 2019.
His talent earned him a call-up to the Moroccan national team in October 2024, where he made his debut in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic.
