Who is Ayoub Oufkir who caught attention in Morocco's squad?

Ayoub Oufkir has made a strong impression on Morocco coach Walid Regragui, receiving his first call-up to the national team ahead of the matches against Niger in the third and fourth rounds of Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 2027. The young player has become the focus of attention for Moroccan fans eager to learn about his career and footballing potential.

Ayoub Oufkir is 20 years old, born on January 4, 2006, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He has Moroccan roots and plays as a winger, relying on speed, dribbling skills, and the ability to penetrate opponents' defenses. He is also distinguished by his use of his left foot, which provides him with various options in the attacking third.

The player began his football journey at Sparta Rotterdam's academy, progressing through various age groups before being promoted to the first team. He continues to catch the eye with his performances, which attracted the interest of AZ Alkmaar, who successfully signed him in January 2026 on a contract that runs until the summer of 2030.

On the international stage, Ayoub Oufkir previously represented the Netherlands at youth levels, wearing the jersey of the Under-19 national team, and participated in winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2025, before opening a new chapter in his international career with the Morocco national team, as he was considered by Mohamed Wahbi for the first time.

Walid Regragui explained that the player's call-up came after the technical staff monitored the young talents who are showing impressive performances with their clubs and possess technical abilities that could provide a real boost to the national team during the upcoming phase.

The coach of the Morocco national team pointed out that Ayoub Oufkir possesses a range of qualities that caught the attention of the technical staff, most notably his speed, mobility, and technical skill, as well as his ability to dribble and excel in individual duels against defenders, along with the quality of the crosses he delivers.

Walid Regragui added that the player's ability to occupy the left winger position gives the national team additional attacking options, especially since his playing style could help exploit Youssef En-Nesyri's capabilities inside the penalty area, considering the Saudi Al-Ittihad striker's ability to handle crosses, aerial balls, and excel in headers.

Ayoub Oufkir's call-up reflects the technical staff's desire, led by Mohamed Wahbi, to expand the selection pool and give rising talents the opportunity to prove their abilities at the senior national team level, as part of building a squad that possesses diverse technical solutions in preparation for upcoming challenges.

Morocco will play their first match against Niger on November 13 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, before the two teams meet again on the 17th of the same month at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification for 2027.