In an interview with RFI, OGC Nice attacking midfielder Sofiane Diop looks back on his decision to represent Morocco rather than Senegal, a “very difficult choice” that he says he is very happy with.
Born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother, Sofiane Diop could have worn the colours of three nations. An attacking midfielder with international caps and a former Monaco player, he ultimately chose Morocco three years ago, in 2023.
In an interview with RFI, relayed by football.fr, the 26-year-old player explains his thinking. For him, it all came down to a question of identity and reconnecting with his roots: he had mostly spent time in Senegal before and wanted to get closer to his Moroccan origins.
A choice driven by Moroccan culture
Above all, the player wanted to get closer to his Moroccan origins. “I wanted to learn more about Moroccan culture, because it’s true that I was very used to going to Senegal and I wanted to get closer to my Moroccan culture,” he told RFI. A desire to discover more guided his decision.
He stresses how difficult it was to choose between two countries he holds dear. “It was a very difficult choice, but that doesn’t take anything away from my love for Senegal. I’m Senegalese, so in my head there’s no question about it. But for the choice of national team, I had to make a choice and I decided to choose Morocco,” he added. His words reflect an undiminished attachment to his father’s country, with no renunciation of that bond.
Competition among the Atlas Lions
By opting for Morocco, Sofiane Diop joined a particularly deep national team. He himself highlights the intensity of the competition among the Atlas Lions and the importance of his club performances in earning his place.
In the Nice shirt, he must therefore convince to hope for a place in a Moroccan squad where competition is fierce. It is a challenge he knows and accepts.
An attachment to Senegal that remains strong
Although he chose Morocco, he has not forgotten Senegal, where he used to go frequently. “I’m Senegalese, so in my head there’s no question about it,” he reminded RFI.
At 26, he says he is “very happy to have chosen Morocco.” The Atlas Lions’ upcoming fixtures, as well as his performances with Nice, will be the next opportunities to earn his place in the national team.