Mohamed Ouahbi is continuing to introduce fresh talent into the Moroccan national team, and Ayoub Oufkir is one of the most intriguing names in his latest squad.
At just 20 years old, the AZ Alkmaar winger has earned his first senior call-up to the Atlas Lions ahead of their upcoming double-header against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
His inclusion represents another example of Morocco's growing ability to attract young talents developed in European football. Having previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, Oufkir is now preparing to begin a new chapter with the country of his Moroccan heritage.
But who exactly is the young winger, and what makes him an exciting prospect for the national team?
From Rotterdam to the Eredivisie: Oufkir's Footballing Journey
Born on January 4, 2006, in Rotterdam, Oufkir grew up in the Dutch football system, developing his abilities from an early age.
His journey began at Sparta Rotterdam, where he joined the club's academy at just seven years old. He progressed through the different youth categories, including the U18 and U21 teams, before moving closer to senior football through the reserve side.
His development eventually earned him an opportunity with Sparta's first team, allowing him to make his Eredivisie breakthrough in 2025.
Those performances also attracted attention at international level. Oufkir represented the Netherlands at both U19 and U21 level, demonstrating his potential among some of the country's most promising young footballers.
One of the highlights of his youth international career came during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which the Netherlands won in Romania. Including qualifying matches and the final tournament, Oufkir scored an impressive seven goals, underlining his attacking instincts and ability to influence important matches.
A €5 Million Move to AZ Alkmaar
January 2026 marked a significant turning point in the winger's career.
After spending almost his entire development period at Sparta Rotterdam, Oufkir completed a move to AZ Alkmaar during the winter transfer window.
The Dutch club reportedly paid approximately €5 million to secure his services, offering the youngster a new environment in which to continue his development.
He signed a contract running until June 2030, demonstrating AZ's long-term confidence in his potential.
The move also placed him within a club renowned for developing young players and providing opportunities for emerging talents to establish themselves in senior football.
Since the beginning of the 2026-2027 campaign, Oufkir has reportedly featured in 16 matches across all competitions, including the Eredivisie, Keuken Kampioen Divisie and Europa League.
His contribution stands at five goals in 663 minutes, an encouraging return for a young attacker continuing his adaptation to a higher level of competition.
A Versatile Winger with Impressive Technical Quality
One of Oufkir's most attractive qualities is his versatility across the attacking line.
Naturally left-footed, he can operate on either flank, giving his coach several tactical possibilities depending on the opposition and the team's attacking structure.
On the right, he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot, create shooting opportunities and deliver dangerous passes into the penalty area. On the left, he can use his acceleration and dribbling ability to beat defenders and provide crosses.
His main strengths include:
- One-on-one ability: He enjoys taking on defenders and creating separation through quick changes of direction.
- Acceleration and agility: His speed allows him to exploit spaces and threaten defensive lines.
- Left-footed delivery: His crossing ability can create opportunities for central forwards.
- Attacking versatility: His ability to play on either wing gives the coaching staff additional flexibility.
Some observers have drawn comparisons with Hakim Ziyech, particularly because of Oufkir's left-footed technique, creativity and ability to influence matches from wide positions.
Although he still has considerable development ahead, the similarities offer an interesting reference point for Moroccan supporters.
Why Mohamed Ouahbi Chose Him
Oufkir's inclusion reflects Ouahbi's interest in adding young, technically gifted players to the national-team setup.
The Moroccan coach has already highlighted the winger's qualities, describing him as dynamic, highly technical and capable of eliminating opponents. He also emphasised his crossing ability, which could create scoring opportunities for forwards such as Youssef En-Nesyri and Yassir Zabiri.
That particular quality could be valuable for Morocco, especially when facing opponents defending with a compact defensive block.
The Atlas Lions have attacking players capable of operating in central areas, but adding a natural winger who enjoys beating defenders could offer another dimension to their offensive game.
Oufkir's ability to play on both sides also gives Ouahbi the possibility of changing his attacking combinations without necessarily making substitutions.
From Netherlands Youth International to the Atlas Lions
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Oufkir's first senior call-up is the international chapter it opens.
After representing the Netherlands at youth level, the youngster now has the opportunity to establish himself with Morocco's senior national team.
His experience in Dutch football, combined with his technical development at Sparta Rotterdam and AZ Alkmaar, could provide the Atlas Lions with another exciting attacking option.
The immediate challenge will be adapting to the demands of senior international football, where opportunities can be limited and every appearance carries considerable importance.
Morocco's upcoming matches against Niger on November 13 and 17 could offer him the perfect introduction to the national-team environment.
A New Talent to Watch for Moroccan Football
At 20, Oufkir is still at the beginning of his professional journey. His first call-up does not guarantee an immediate starting role, but it represents an important vote of confidence from the national-team coach.
For Moroccan supporters, his arrival is another reason to be excited about the country's emerging generation of footballers developed across Europe.
With his left foot, attacking courage, versatility and impressive early numbers, the AZ Alkmaar winger has several qualities that could make him an interesting addition to the Atlas Lions.
The next step is now his to take: turn his first opportunity into the beginning of a lasting international career in Moroccan colours.