Moroccan coach Adel Ramzi has expressed his pride after being appointed as the second assistant coach of the Netherlands national team, where he will work alongside Spanish head coach Xavi Hernandez.
The appointment represents a significant step in Ramzi’s coaching career and will see him take on a new international role with the Dutch national team.
Following the announcement, Ramzi shared his first public reaction, thanking the Dutch Football Association and the team’s technical leadership for placing their confidence in him.
The former Wydad coach also used the occasion to reflect on his personal journey, highlighting the connection between his Moroccan heritage and the Netherlands, the country where he grew up and developed his football identity.
Ramzi said his upbringing in the Netherlands provided him with opportunities, inspiration and support throughout both his playing and coaching career.
At the same time, he emphasised that he remains proud of his Moroccan roots.
His appointment alongside Xavi gives Ramzi the opportunity to work at international level while continuing a career shaped by experiences in both Moroccan and European football.
Ramzi thanks Dutch football authorities
In his first comments after securing the position, Ramzi began by expressing gratitude for the journey that had taken him to the Dutch national team.
He said: “First and foremost, all praise and thanks are due to God for this blessing and for the journey that brought me here.”
Ramzi then thanked the people and institutions involved in giving him the opportunity to join the Netherlands coaching staff.
The Moroccan coach specifically acknowledged the Dutch Football Association, Nigel de Jong and Marianne van Leeuwen, before expressing his appreciation to Xavi for trusting him and giving him the opportunity to take on the new role.
He said: “I thank the Dutch Football Association, Nigel de Jong and Marianne van Leeuwen, and I also thank our coach for his confidence in me and for the opportunity he gave me.”
The appointment means Ramzi will now begin a new chapter in a national-team environment, working alongside Xavi as the Netherlands prepare for the challenges ahead.
A tribute to the Netherlands
Although Ramzi is proud of his Moroccan heritage, he also paid tribute to the country in which he grew up.
He described the Netherlands as an important part of his development, acknowledging the opportunities and support he received throughout his journey.
Ramzi said: “I thank the Netherlands, this beautiful country, for the opportunities, inspiration and support it has given me.”
His comments underline the importance of the Netherlands in shaping his football career and professional identity.
Ramzi’s story is particularly significant because of the connection he maintains with both countries. Having grown up in the Netherlands as a Moroccan child, he views his career as an example of how opportunities can help people achieve their ambitions when combined with determination.
Proud of his Moroccan roots
Ramzi also made a point of addressing his Moroccan background, sending a message that highlighted the importance of his origins.
He described his journey from growing up in the Netherlands to reaching the Dutch national team setup as an example of what can be achieved when people make the most of the opportunities available to them.
His final message was both personal and forward-looking.
Ramzi said: “As a Moroccan child who grew up here in the Netherlands, I hope my journey is a small example of what can be achieved when you are given opportunities and you make the most of them. I am proud of my origins, grateful for where I am today, and ready for what is to come.”
The statement allowed Ramzi to acknowledge the two environments that have played major roles in his development.
His Moroccan origins remain an important part of his identity, while the Netherlands provided the environment in which his football career was formed.
Now, his focus turns to his new responsibility with the Dutch national team.
Working under Xavi Hernandez represents another major stage in Ramzi’s coaching career and gives him the chance to gain experience at the highest level of international football.
For Ramzi, the appointment is therefore more than a new coaching position. It is the latest step in a journey that began as a Moroccan child growing up in the Netherlands and has now taken him into the coaching staff of the Dutch national team.
His message made clear that he intends to approach the opportunity with gratitude for his past, pride in his Moroccan heritage and confidence about what lies ahead.
