Brahim Diaz Chooses To Play International Football For Morocco Over Spain

Diaz was born in Malaga to a Spanish mother and a Moroccan father but has primarily played for his country of birth at youth level.

The 24-year-old won one senior cap for Spain in 2021 in an international friendly against Lithuania but is still eligible to play for his fatherland.

Diaz was keen to play for Spain but has been overlooked by manager Luis De La Fuente in recent squads.

Following a three-year loan spell at AC Milan, Diaz has impressed for Real Madrid this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.

Reacting to the news of Diaz's switch, Spain manager De La Fuente said: "Everyone is free to make their own decisions."

"For me, there are three steps to be called up: firstly, that you are eligible, secondly that you want to play for the national team and thirdly that the coach selects you.

"I have not spoken with [Diaz]. I either call players up or not and the [players] do what they have to do. I worked with him a lot [with the Under-21s] and I hold him in high esteem and have a lot of respect for him."

Diaz could play his first matches for Morocco against Angola and Mauritania later this month.