Ayoub Oufkir has received his first call-up to the Morocco national team after impressing in Dutch football, with coach Mohamed Wahbi including the young winger in his squad for the two matches against Niger.
The 20-year-old is among the new names attracting attention following the announcement of the Atlas Lions squad. His selection represents an important step in a career shaped by his development in the Netherlands and his Moroccan heritage.
Born in Rotterdam on 4 January 2006, Oufkir is a Moroccan-descended attacking winger whose game is built around speed, close control and his ability to take on defenders. His dribbling and strength in one-on-one situations have helped him establish himself as a promising young talent in Dutch football.
Oufkir began his development at Sparta Rotterdam’s academy, progressing through the club’s youth ranks before earning an opportunity with the senior side. His performances subsequently attracted interest from AZ Alkmaar, who secured his signature in January 2026.
The move to AZ was an important step in his development, with the Dutch club offering him a contract that runs until the summer of 2030. The agreement reflects the club’s confidence in his potential and its intention to invest in his progress over the coming years.
At international level, Oufkir has already experienced football with the Netherlands’ youth teams. He was part of the Dutch squad that won the European Under-19 Championship in 2025, giving him experience of competing at international level before his latest opportunity with Morocco.
His inclusion in Wahbi’s squad now provides him with a chance to take the next step and establish himself within the senior national-team environment.
Wahbi explained that the decision to select Oufkir followed the technical staff’s continued efforts to identify young players with the qualities to strengthen the national side.
The Morocco coach said the winger had caught his attention because of his technical ability and the characteristics he brings to attacking positions.
According to Wahbi, Oufkir offers several qualities that could prove useful to the Atlas Lions, particularly his speed, movement and ability to beat opponents in individual situations.
The coach also highlighted the quality of the crosses he delivers, describing them as an important part of the player’s attacking contribution.
One possible advantage of Oufkir’s arrival is the additional option he could provide on the left wing. His ability to drive forward and deliver crosses could give Morocco another route into the opposition penalty area.
That possibility could also benefit striker Youssef En-Nesyri, whose aerial ability and heading strength may allow him to take advantage of the winger’s deliveries.
Oufkir’s selection therefore appears to be based not only on his individual qualities but also on the different attacking options he could offer the national team.
For the young winger, the call-up marks the beginning of a new chapter after representing the Netherlands at youth level. He now has an opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer in Morocco’s colours during the upcoming matches against Niger.
His performances will be closely watched as he seeks to turn his first invitation into a regular place in the Atlas Lions squad. Whether he can make an immediate impression and earn further opportunities will depend on how he responds to his first experience with the senior team.
