As the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup approaches between Morocco and the Netherlands, FIFA has highlighted the numerous Moroccan players who have excelled in the Dutch league. A strong bond indeed connects the Atlas Lions to Dutch football, through training, emergence at the highest level, and significant journeys in the Eredivisie.
According to FIFA, nearly a hundred Moroccan players have played in the Netherlands’ league throughout history. This figure illustrates the importance of this sporting bridge between the two countries. In Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad, several players are well-acquainted with Dutch football, having been trained, revealed, or established there before donning the Moroccan jersey.
Among the cited examples is Mounir El Hamdaoui, trained at Excelsior Rotterdam and having notably played for AZ Alkmaar, Ajax, and Twente. The former Moroccan international remains a reference in the Eredivisie, where he finished as the top scorer in 2009 with 23 goals, contributing to the championship title won by AZ under Louis van Gaal. With 73 goals scored in the Dutch league, he remains one of the most notable Moroccan forwards in the history of football in the Netherlands.
FIFA also highlights Hakim Ziyech, a true symbol of Moroccan success in the Eredivisie. Having played for Heerenveen, Twente, and then Ajax Amsterdam, the left-footed Moroccan left a major mark in the league. Named Eredivisie Player of the Year in 2018 and the league’s top assist provider multiple times, Ziyech later confirmed his status with the Atlas Lions, notably participating in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Noussair Mazraoui is also part of this generation that grew up under the demands of Ajax Amsterdam. Trained within the Dutch club, the Moroccan full-back participated in Ajax’s remarkable European run during the 2018-2019 season. A three-time Dutch champion and winner of two national cups, Mazraoui embodies the strong connection between Moroccan football and the Dutch school.
Another key player for the Atlas Lions who passed through the Eredivisie is Sofyan Amrabat. Revealed at Utrecht before joining Feyenoord, the Moroccan midfielder built his career in the Netherlands before establishing himself as one of the key figures in the national team. Present at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, he remains one of the most experienced players in the Moroccan squad today.
Finally, FIFA focuses on Ismael Saibari, presented as the latest Moroccan gem revealed in the Netherlands. Arriving at PSV Eindhoven in 2020, the attacking midfielder gradually earned his place to become one of the club’s key players. Crowned Dutch champion multiple times, Saibari was also named the league’s best player in the 2025-2026 season. His goal against Haiti during this 2026 World Cup confirmed his growing importance with the Atlas Lions.
This duel between Morocco and the Netherlands will therefore have a special dimension for several Moroccan internationals. Beyond the sporting stakes, this match will bring together two worlds deeply linked by the recent history of many Atlas Lions, who passed through the fields of the Eredivisie before shining in national colors.
