Thiago Pitarch has refused to rule out representing Morocco at senior level, telling Spanish radio station Cadena SER that a switch to the Atlas Lions is a possibility, adding an enigmatic: “pourquoi pas… on verra” – “why not… we’ll see”.
The young midfielder, who has long been viewed as a potential future option for Spain, used the interview to keep both pathways open rather than committing himself to La Roja.
His brief but pointed response has reignited debate over where his international allegiance will ultimately lie and underlined Morocco’s growing pull among dual-nationality players.
The remarks come at a time when the Moroccan national team is enjoying increased visibility and momentum, backed by a highly promising talent pool and the prospect of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup on home soil.
That tournament, which Morocco will stage alongside Spain and Portugal, is seen within Moroccan football circles as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to assemble one of the strongest squads in the country’s history and persuade more binational players to opt for the Atlas Lions.
Pitarch’s profile and potential make his case especially notable. Although he has been widely regarded as a player on track for Spain, his latest comments have disrupted that narrative and opened up fresh speculation over his long-term plans.
In Spain, the expectation had been that the midfielder would naturally progress through the national-team ranks and eventually compete for a place with La Roja, in keeping with his development path to date.
However, by publicly acknowledging Morocco as an option and refusing to close the door, Pitarch has signalled that he is prepared to weigh up all possibilities before making a definitive decision.
For Morocco, the player’s stance is another indication that their recent performances and strategic outlook are resonating with footballers eligible for more than one country, particularly those with strong ties to both Moroccan and European football cultures.
The combination of an “exceptional” pool of emerging talent and the long-term project geared towards the 2030 World Cup has given the Atlas Lions added appeal in recruitment battles with traditional European powers.
Pitarch’s comments will therefore be watched closely by both federations, with his eventual choice likely to be shaped by sporting prospects, personal identity and the competitive environment around each national team in the coming years.
For now, his “why not… we’ll see” leaves the situation deliberately unresolved, ensuring that discussion over his international future – once thought to be firmly leaning towards Spain – is very much back in play.
