Morocco midfielder Nael El Aynaoui would be “the happiest person in the world” if he were given the chance to play for Barcelona, according to his father, former tennis player Younes El Aynaoui.
The comments come as the 25-year-old continues to enhance his reputation with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he has emerged as an important figure in the Atlas Lions midfield.
Speaking to RMC, Younes El Aynaoui revealed the deep connection his son has with the Spanish club, stemming from his childhood years in Barcelona.
“My son is Barcelona,” Younes El Aynaoui told RMC in an interview. “He lived there from birth to age 11, and he would be the happiest person in the world if he ever played for this team.”
According to his father, El Aynaoui’s attachment to Barcelona developed during his formative years in the city, where he grew up immersed in the club’s culture and closely followed its rise as one of Europe’s dominant forces.
The midfielder is understood to have been particularly inspired by the generation of players that helped define one of the most successful periods in Barcelona’s history, with former Spain international Andrés Iniesta among his footballing idols.
El Aynaoui has previously spoken of his admiration for Iniesta, praising the midfielder’s vision, technical ability and calmness under pressure. He has also highlighted how Iniesta embodied the possession-based style that became synonymous with the Catalan club during its most successful era.
Now playing for AS Roma, El Aynaoui has continued to develop into one of Morocco’s most promising midfielders. His performances at the World Cup have further strengthened that reputation.
The midfielder started both of Morocco’s group-stage matches against Brazil and Scotland, producing composed displays that showcased his ability to dictate possession, disrupt opposition attacks and launch transitions from defence to attack.
His contributions have drawn praise from supporters and observers, many of whom regard him as one of the leading figures in Morocco’s emerging generation of talent.
Morocco have continued to impress on the international stage, and El Aynaoui’s performances have been viewed as a key factor in the team’s competitiveness at the tournament.
At 25, he is entering what many consider the prime years of a footballer’s career, and his continued development has inevitably led to speculation about his long-term future at club level.
While there is no indication that a move to Barcelona is currently under consideration, his father’s remarks have reignited discussion about what would represent a dream transfer for the Morocco international.
For now, El Aynaoui’s focus remains on helping Morocco progress at the World Cup. Yet the comments from his father have offered a glimpse into an ambition that has existed since childhood — the possibility of one day wearing the colours of FC Barcelona.
