Ibrahim Afellay, who played for Barcelona from 2010 to 2015 and earned 53 caps for the Netherlands national team, openly shared his heartfelt support during the 2026 World Cup.
"For this match, my heart is with Morocco. My roots are in Morocco. My parents are Moroccan and all my family lives there. What else do I need to explain?" the 40-year-old ex-footballer said in an interview with NOS, sparking considerable controversy on social media in the Netherlands.
While Afellay expressed his gratitude toward the Netherlands where he grew up, he stressed: "I grew up here and I’m incredibly grateful to the Netherlands. Where is my heart or my preference? In Morocco." He also made clear his national team call-ups were based on merit, not personal likability.
Afellay made his professional debut with PSV in 2004 under coach Guus Hiddink, retiring in 2021. Over his career, he played 358 club matches, scored 55 goals, and provided 36 assists. With the Dutch national team, he netted seven goals in 53 appearances.
This candid statement from a former Barcelona player highlights the complex nature of national identity, especially during a major international tournament, generating attention and debate among football fans.
