The Moroccan Football Federation has stepped up its efforts to recruit Feyenoord forward Shaquille van Persie, opening discussions with the dual-nationality player as it seeks to convince him to represent Morocco rather than the Netherlands at senior international level.
According to a well-informed source, Moroccan football officials have been in direct contact with the 19-year-old striker in recent days, presenting their long-term sporting vision as part of an attempt to secure his commitment to the Atlas Lions.
Shaquille van Persie, the son of former football star Robin van Persie, is eligible to represent Morocco through his mother’s Moroccan heritage while also qualifying for the Netherlands, leaving him with a significant decision over his international future.
The source said officials from the Moroccan Football Federation outlined the national team’s sporting project and explained their plans for the coming years, which focus on giving emerging players an opportunity to become the foundation of the squad in future continental and international competitions.
Despite those discussions, the player has yet to make a final decision.
According to the source, Van Persie has not given Moroccan officials a definitive response and has chosen to take more time before deciding which country he will represent during his international career.
The latest approach from Morocco comes only days after the striker discussed his international future in comments to Dutch media.
At the time, Van Persie said he had not reached a decision over which national team he wished to represent and noted that he had not received a direct approach from the Moroccan Football Federation.
The recent contact between the federation and the player therefore marks a new stage in Morocco’s pursuit, although it does not indicate that an agreement has been reached.
The forward remains in the process of weighing his options before publicly confirming his choice.
The young striker has previously spoken openly about the dilemma facing him, explaining that he would ideally like to represent both countries but recognises that FIFA regulations require players to commit to one national team when the appropriate time arrives.
He also stressed that his family would support whichever decision he ultimately makes.
For now, his international future remains unresolved.
Van Persie currently plays as a striker for Feyenoord, where he has progressed steadily through the club’s youth system before establishing himself within the first-team environment.
Before returning to the Netherlands to continue his development with Feyenoord, he received football training at the academies of Manchester City and Fenerbahce.
His long-term future at club level also appears secure.
The forward signed a contract extension with Feyenoord in January 2025, tying him to the Dutch club until the summer of 2028.
At international level, Van Persie has represented the Netherlands at under-17 level, making six appearances and scoring once.
However, he has not yet featured for the Dutch senior national team, meaning the possibility of representing Morocco remains open under the current circumstances.
That eligibility has made him one of several dual-nationality players being monitored by the Moroccan Football Federation as part of a broader recruitment strategy.
Morocco has continued to focus on attracting players with dual eligibility who are developing in some of Europe’s leading leagues, with the aim of strengthening its various national teams through a blend of domestic and internationally based talent.
The pursuit of Shaquille van Persie reflects that long-term approach, with officials keen to persuade another promising young footballer to become part of the country’s future plans.
For the moment, however, the outcome remains uncertain.
While Morocco has now formally presented its sporting project to the Feyenoord striker, the final decision rests with the player, who continues to consider whether his international career will be spent with the Atlas Lions or the Netherlands.
