El Hilali wants to reunite with the Lions and shares his thoughts on his future

Omar El Hilali does not hide his ambition to soon return to the Lions of the Atlas. In a lengthy interview with Mundo Deportivo, the right-back of Espanyol reflected on his absence from Morocco’s recent gatherings, as well as his future in Catalonia and his new role within his club. Approaching 23 years old, the Moroccan international remains convinced that he will have another opportunity with the national team.

Asked about the possibility of rejoining Morocco for the next gathering, El Hilali acknowledges that a call-up would mean a lot to him. “For any footballer, representing your country is one of the most beautiful things,” he explains. However, the defender believes that his return must be earned with Espanyol: in his view, maintaining a high level of performance at the club is essential to convince the Lions of the Atlas staff. If he is not called up immediately, he assures that he will continue to work hard to regain his place.

El Hilali struggled with his absence from Morocco

The Moroccan also admits that he was affected by his absence from the Africa Cup of Nations and then the World Cup. In hindsight, El Hilali acknowledges that some of his performances last season did not reach the level he desired. He has questioned what he could have done differently to keep his spot on the national team, especially since he had participated in previous gatherings before disappearing from the lists. He explains that he ultimately took a step back and followed the Lions as a mere supporter.

This situation, however, has not diminished his international ambitions. Still young, the Espanyol defender believes that football always offers new opportunities. His goal is clear: to one day experience an Africa Cup of Nations and a World Cup wearing the Moroccan jersey. To achieve this, he wants to focus primarily on his performances at the club, where he feels more comfortable than in the previous season.

El Hilali also commented on the events of the last Africa Cup of Nations final. For him, when a team leaves the field in disagreement with a referee’s decision, the rules must prevail. The Moroccan reminds us that referee decisions can be contested or disliked, but the match must continue. Regarding the penalty that marked this match, he emphasizes the weight of the context, pressure, and nerves, before looking ahead with the hope that Morocco can take its revenge in a future edition.

A contract until 2027, with an option

El Hilali also provided important details regarding his contractual situation at Espanyol. His current commitment runs until 2027. An additional season can then be added based on various objectives outlined in his contract, with a possibility allowing the club to unilaterally activate this additional year. The player remains calm and simply states: “We will come to an agreement.”

To date, this option has not yet been activated, and no concrete negotiations for an extension have begun. This situation does not seem to concern El Hilali, who is more focused on Espanyol’s sporting objectives. He believes there is still plenty of time before he needs to decide his future and prefers to prioritize the collective interests of the club.

Sportingly, the Moroccan also expresses satisfaction with the role assigned to him this season. Positioned higher when the scenario allows, he has more freedom to support attacks and project into the opposing box, while reminding that his priority remains defensive work. This evolution could also help him regain his place with the Lions of the Atlas, a goal now clearly stated by the Espanyol defender.