Rabat – Moroccan midfielder Abdellah Ouazane is gaining recognition beyond the Netherlands, with French sports daily L’Équipe dedicating its latest Maghreb FC feature to the 17-year-old’s emergence at Ajax and his recent breakthrough with Morocco’s senior national team.
In an article published on Wednesday, L’Équipe examined the young midfielder’s rapid development and his growing place in Morocco’s plans under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Ouazane made his senior international debut in September during Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Gabon in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He replaced Abde Ezzalzouli in the 76th minute and played a part in the buildup to Soufiane Rahimi’s second goal.
According to L’Équipe, the appearance made him the second-youngest player to represent Morocco in a competitive senior international behind Hachim Mastour, who debuted at 16 against Libya in 2015.
Reflecting on the experience, Ouazane admitted that joining a squad filled with established internationals initially left him unusually quiet.
“It was simply a pleasure. I was quite quiet during the first few days. I was taking everything in, looking around and realizing which players I was sharing the pitch with,” he said.
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The youngster also recalled how Moroccan defender Issa Diop approached him during the international camp and encouraged him to express himself on the pitch, reassuring him that his teammates would always have his back. Ouazane’s senior debut followed an important year in his development. In April 2025, he helped Morocco win their first U17 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil after a penalty shootout victory over Mali.
His performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with CAF recognizing his ability to dictate the tempo of matches and make effective decisions in midfield.
At club level, Ouazane has also taken significant steps forward after progressing through Ajax’s youth system.
The Amsterdam-born midfielder signed his first professional contract with the Dutch club in August 2025, following a proposed move to Real Madrid that ultimately failed to materialize.
His opportunities in Ajax’s senior team increased this season under Spanish coach Míchel Sanchez, who has deployed him in wider attacking positions despite his preference for playing centrally.
Ouazane’s development has also attracted attention from other international publications. Earlier this month, British newspaper The Guardian included him among its 60 most promising players born in 2009.
Former Morocco U17 coach Nabil Baha has similarly praised the youngster’s tactical intelligence. In an interview published by Africafoot on October 10, Baha highlighted his ability to read transitions, retain possession under pressure, and identify the right moment to move the ball forward.
L’Équipe also identified the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, as a long-term objective for the midfielder and other emerging Moroccan internationals, including Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Ouazane’s early introduction to senior international football has given him an opportunity to develop alongside more experienced players. Yet competition for places in Morocco’s midfield remains tense, with Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss among the established options available to Ouahbi.
