Ajax midfielder Ryan Bonida has decided to represent Morocco at international level, turning down the opportunity to continue his career with Belgium, according to reports in Belgian and Dutch media.
The 20-year-old, who has impressed this season with AFC Ajax, made his decision following months of discussions involving his representatives and officials from the Belgian Football Association. Despite efforts to persuade him to remain part of Belgium’s long-term plans, Bonida has opted to commit his international future to Morocco.
A Breakthrough Season at Ajax
Bonida’s decision comes amid a strong individual campaign in the Netherlands. The attacking midfielder has scored four goals and provided 11 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, underlining his growing influence at club level.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with the young player increasingly viewed as one of the more promising talents emerging from Ajax’s system. His technical ability and creativity have contributed significantly to his side’s attacking play this season.
Before his move to Ajax, Bonida developed through the youth ranks at RSC Anderlecht between 2013 and 2022. During that period, he also represented Belgium at multiple youth levels, featuring from the under-16s through to the under-21 squad.
Belgium Efforts Fall Short
Reports suggest the Belgian federation made sustained attempts to retain Bonida within its international structure. The under-21 head coach Gilles Swerts and sporting director Vincent Mannaert were both involved in efforts to convince him to reconsider.
However, those interventions ultimately proved unsuccessful, with Bonida standing firm in his decision to switch allegiance. His choice has been described as a significant and unexpected development within Belgian football circles.
Morocco’s Growing Influence
Bonida’s commitment reflects a broader trend, as Royal Moroccan Football Federation continues to attract dual-nationality players to represent the country.
In recent years, Morocco has successfully persuaded several high-profile players to switch allegiance, including Brahim Díaz of Real Madrid. These additions have strengthened the national team, known as the Atlas Lions, across multiple competitions.
A Defining Career Moment
For Bonida, the decision marks a pivotal point in his career trajectory. Having risen through Belgian youth football and established himself in the Netherlands, he now turns his focus towards making an impact on the international stage with Morocco.
His development in Dutch football has played a key role in shaping his profile, with his performances attracting attention both domestically and abroad. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, Bonida will aim to translate his club form into success at international level.
While Belgium must now look elsewhere for emerging talent, Morocco’s gain signals another step in its ongoing effort to build a competitive and diverse national squad.
