There was a time when Othmane Maamma looked destined to be among the first young players to make the jump from Morocco’s youth teams to the senior national side.
His performances at the U-20 World Cup in Chile appeared to make that progression almost inevitable.
Instead, the Watford winger remains outside Mohamed Ouahbi’s plans for the upcoming international window, with Morocco preparing for their AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, followed by a friendly against Ghana.
A World Cup Award That Raised Expectations
Maamma's name became widely recognised after an outstanding campaign at the U-20 World Cup.
The young Moroccan was named the tournament's Best Player, placing him in an elite group of footballers who have previously claimed the same individual honour.
The list includes names such as Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Sergio Agüero, players whose careers went on to reach the highest levels of the game.
For many Morocco supporters, Maamma's success in Chile therefore seemed like the natural beginning of his senior international journey.
Still Waiting for His Senior Debut
Despite that remarkable achievement, the expected call-up has yet to arrive.
Since the U-20 World Cup, the Watford player has not made a single appearance for Morocco's senior team.
His latest omission therefore comes as another surprise for those who expected him to be among the next generation of Atlas Lions breaking into the first team.
The talent is clear, but the opportunity at senior level remains elusive.
Competition for His Position
Ouahbi has previously addressed the absence, pointing to the intense competition for places in the position Maamma occupies.
The Moroccan coach has a number of attacking options available to him, with established internationals and emerging talents all competing for opportunities.
That competition has made the path into the senior squad more difficult.
Yet Maamma's supporters continue to wonder whether his achievements at youth level should at least earn him an opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer in the senior setup.
An Opportunity Still Waiting
Winning the Best Player award at a U-20 World Cup does not automatically guarantee a place in a senior national team.
But it does create expectations, particularly when the player in question has already demonstrated his ability to perform on a major international stage.
For the young Watford talent, the next step is therefore not necessarily about demanding a starting position.
It is about receiving the opportunity to train with the senior squad, experience the environment and show whether his qualities can translate to the highest level.
When Will the Door Open?
Morocco's current generation possesses considerable depth, making competition for places increasingly intense.
That is ultimately the challenge facing Maamma.
But his story remains far from finished.
The U-20 World Cup award, his performances in Chile and his continued development in England have already given him a significant platform.
What remains is the chance to take the next step.
For now, the Moroccan youngster continues to wait for his opportunity with the Atlas Lions, with the question of when that door will finally open still unanswered.