The young forward Rachad Fettal, recently transferred to Real Madrid Castilla, has chosen to represent Spain internationally, reigniting the debate between the Moroccan and Spanish federations over talents of Moroccan origin. Born in Murcia, Spain, and of Moroccan descent, Fettal established himself in Spain and decided to turn his back on the Moroccan national team despite his roots, causing a shockwave in African and European football.
Trained at several Spanish clubs including UD Almería, where he made his professional debut, Rachad Fettal quickly drew attention thanks to his performances, notably as the top scorer of the Copa del Rey Juvenil. In July 2025, he officially joined the prestigious Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of the Madrid giant, on a three-year contract. His rapid progress in Spain reflects his strong ties to Spanish football and his international ambitions.
Fettal’s choice to opt for the Spanish national team is explained mainly by his sporting development in Spain, where he grew up and honed his skills. This choice also raises questions about the Moroccan federation’s strategy to secure young talents from the diaspora. The debate over dual sporting nationality between La Roja and the Atlas Lions more broadly reflects the globalization challenges in football and the fierce competition to attract the best young prospects.
From a sporting perspective, Rachad Fettal embodies a new generation of multicultural players who often have to choose between multiple national identities. His career at Real Madrid Castilla combined with his international choice could open major doors for him in La Liga and beyond. This case perfectly illustrates the football tensions between Spain and Morocco while highlighting the immense potential of this promising young striker with a dual cultural background.