Young hopeful from AS Monaco, Eliesse Ben Seghir chose to represent Morocco rather than the French team at the start of the year. For him, it is not a question of timing, but a response to his attachment to his Moroccan roots. In an interview for World Eleventhe 19-year-old Monegasque explained his choice. “ Many say I chose Morocco too early, but for me, there is no perfect timing. When you want something, you have to go for it, you have to go for it. And you shouldn’t pay attention to what is said about you. I wanted to play for Morocco, so why wait to play with the France A team when my wish is to play for Morocco?he declared before mentioning the crucial role of Walid Regragui, the Moroccan coach. Yes, my choice came quite early in my career, I am proud of it, and above all, it is because the coach, Walid Regragui, called on me and placed great confidence in me. »
Ben Seghir also explained the impact of Morocco’s historic journey to the 2022 World Cup and the structural advances in Moroccan football. “ Obviously, the journey to the 2022 World Cup also made me want it. But it’s not just that. When we see what Morocco is doing for football, with the new training center, with what they have put in place to supervise Moroccan football, it’s incredible. The World Cup in Qatar is a plus. Because the work has been in place for years already. » Finally, he once again addressed his Moroccan origins to justify his choice. “ When I was little, I didn’t go to Morocco very often because of football and also because my mother couldn’t afford plane tickets, but I had a Moroccan upbringing. Both my parents are Moroccan. I had my Moroccan family with me at home. It’s education that did it all “, declared the native of Saint-Tropez, selected eight times since March 2024 and who has already scored three times and provided two assists.
