Montpellier centre-back Redouane Halhal, 23, is living out a childhood dream: his first call-up to the Morocco national team, the Atlas Lions. Selected by new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi for the friendlies against Ecuador (March 27 in Madrid) and Paraguay (March 31 in Lens), this product of Montpellier HSC is about to take a major step forward ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Raised in the streets of La Paillade before joining Montpellier’s academy in 2015, Halhal has climbed every rung of the ladder. African U23 champion in 2023 with a golden generation that qualified for the Paris Olympics, he already has international experience. Loaned to Helmond Sport and later integrated into KV Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League, he has established himself as a 1.89m defensive rock, strong in duels and dominant in the air. His convincing season in Belgium persuaded Ouahbi to inject fresh blood into a defense undergoing transition.
Fresh blood for the African champions
“This has always been a childhood dream. Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of wearing this shirt. Alhamdulillah, it’s happened! But it’s not over, I have to keep working,” Halhal said, visibly emotional, speaking to the Moroccan federation after the announcement. His excitement is shared with fellow newcomer Yassir Zabiri, as this training camp marks a key moment for the reigning African champions. Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Morocco is relying on European-based talents to rejuvenate the squad and face the intensity of South American opposition in these test matches.
This exemplary journey—from France’s Hérault region to Moroccan roots—perfectly illustrates Ouahbi’s strategy: investing in young players developed in Europe to build the future. From La Paillade to the Atlas Lions, Halhal now carries the hopes of a nation on the rise. Ready to give everything, he is aiming to secure a long-term place in the senior squad and play a key role at the World Cup. At just 23, his rapid rise could mark the emergence of a new defensive cornerstone.