Rabat – Moroccan international Issa Diop has said his decision to represent Morocco was entirely his own, stressing that his family had no reason to criticize him for choosing the Atlas Lions over Senegal.
Speaking in an interview with Ipswich Town news outlet TWTD, the 29-year-old defender addressed his international allegiance and whether his decision had caused tensions within his family.
Diop, who was born in France to a Moroccan mother and a Senegalese father, was eligible to represent both African nations before committing to Morocco earlier this year.
Asked whether his family had forgiven him for not choosing Senegal, Diop said there was “nothing to forgive me for,” insisting that the decision was his alone.
“It was my decision,” he said, adding: “God wanted this for me, and that was my way.”
The defender previously represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Morocco in March 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
World Cup experience helped Diop develop
Diop also reflected on his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he made five appearances as Morocco reached the quarterfinals.
He said competing on football’s biggest international stage gave him valuable experience and helped him improve his ability to handle different situations during matches.
According to Diop, international football presents challenges that differ from those encountered at club level, both on and off the pitch.
The defender explained that facing unfamiliar situations allows players to develop the experience needed to respond more effectively when similar challenges arise.
One of his most significant contributions came against the Netherlands in the round of 32, when he scored his first international goal in stoppage time to bring Morocco level at 1-1.
His 91st-minute header forced extra time before the Atlas Lions secured a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout, advancing to the round of 16.
Diop was subsequently named Man of the Match for his performance.
Morocco went on to defeat Canada 3-0 in the round of 16 before suffering a 2-0 defeat against France in the quarterfinals.
Despite believing Morocco could have achieved more in the tournament, Diop described his first World Cup appearance as an important learning experience.
The defender, who joined Ipswich Town from Fulham during the summer transfer window, has since continued his club career in the English Premier League.
