Qais Al-Mouttaqi, the promising Moroccan-born forward and son of former Morocco captain Mehdi Benatia, has been selected for France Under-15s after opting to begin his international career with the French youth teams.
The 2012-born striker was included in France’s 18-man squad on Friday, marking his first appearance at international level. Al-Mouttaqi currently plays in the youth ranks of French club Olympique de Marseille.
He is set to represent France Under-15s at the World Cup Festival for the age group, taking an early international path different from that of his father, who enjoyed a prominent career with Morocco.
Benatia was one of the leading defenders of Morocco’s recent generations and served as captain of the national side. His son’s decision means the family name will return to the international stage, but this time through France rather than the Atlas Lions.
The choice highlights the competition between national associations for young players who have more than one option when deciding which country to represent. French reports say Al-Mouttaqi remains eligible to change his international allegiance at this stage of his career under the relevant regulations, before making an appearance for a senior national team.
The French Football Federation announced a squad of 18 players born in 2012 for the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Festival. The event will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from 22 to 30 October, with a number of the leading players in the age group expected to take part.
Al-Mouttaqi’s involvement with France Under-15s does not permanently rule out a future switch to Morocco. However, his first international appearance in France colours represents a significant opening step in his career and gives the French side an early opportunity to work with a player who remains eligible for either national team.
Morocco have continued to search for emerging talent capable of representing the Atlas Lions in the future, while Al-Mouttaqi has now chosen to begin that journey elsewhere. His selection brings renewed attention to the issue of dual-nationality players and the decisions they face during the early stages of their development.