Issa Diop, the former Toulouse defender, has committed his international future to Morocco’s national team, the Lions of Atlas. The 1997-born footballer, a 2016 European champion at the youth level with France, has chosen to represent the country of his mother’s origin, foregoing opportunities to play for France or Senegal.
Read more: Issa Diop says “Yes” to Morocco to live the American dream
This decision marks a significant shift from previous statements made by the player. In 2019, Diop publicly stated, “Going to another national team given that I wasn’t in the French team would be a bit hypocritical,” and pledged to never change his sporting allegiance.
A year prior, he had already expressed his unwavering love for Les Bleus in an indirect message to Didier Deschamps, vowing to represent no other nation, even without a call-up to the senior team. A change in his career trajectory and the chance to compete in a major international tournament appear to have influenced his reconsideration.
Read more: Walid Regragui definitively closes the door to Issa Diop
Sportively, the arrival of the experienced Premier League player is a valuable addition to the Moroccan squad. He bolsters a Moroccan defense currently dealing with fitness concerns surrounding Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina and Jawad El Yamiq. This addition provides crucial depth as Morocco prepares for upcoming competitions and aims to strengthen its position on the international stage.
