Rabat – Former Moroccan international Mustapha Hadji has strongly criticized Sofyan Amrabat over his reported decision to stay away from the national team until head coach Mohamed Ouahbi leaves his position.

Speaking to sports outlet Kooora, the 1998 African Ballon d’Or winner stressed that representing Morocco should come before any personal disagreement with a coach.

“Amrabat plays for the Moroccan national team, which represents the country and raises its flag. He does not play for Mohamed Ouahbi,” Hadji said.

“He must therefore play under any coach. He represents the country, not the coach, and should not demand a coaching change, whether it is Ouahbi, Regragui, or anyone else,” he added.

Hadji went further, directly questioning Amrabat’s reported position and reminding him that no player is bigger than the national team.

“Who are you to say that? You are not above the national team, the coach, or the Moroccan flag,” Hadji said.

“You should come to the national team and play without complaining, even if you only get one minute, because it is an honor.”

The former Atlas Lions winger emphasized that wearing Morocco’s jersey is a privilege that should outweigh personal disputes.

“Representing the Moroccan national team is a great honor. Being chosen from among 40 million Moroccans to raise the Moroccan flag is something huge, and it should come before any problem,” he explained.

Hadji also acknowledged Amrabat’s contributions to Moroccan football but insisted that his international experience does not give him the right to demand a coach’s departure.

“All respect for what Amrabat has given to the national team, but that does not give him the right to say that a coach must leave for him to join the team,” he said.

Amrabat’s disagreement with Ouahbi

Amrabat announced several months ago that he would step away from international football until Ouahbi leaves his position.

The Ajax midfielder reportedly made the decision after expressing frustration over his limited playing time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Amrabat, who has earned 78 appearances for Morocco, has represented the Atlas Lions in three World Cups, in 2018, 2022, and 2026.

He has also participated in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the most recent edition hosted by Morocco.

His reported decision has raised questions about his international future and whether he could return to the squad while Ouahbi remains in charge.

Hadji’s history with the Atlas Lions

Hadji remains one of Morocco’s most recognized former internationals, having won the African Ballon d’Or in 1998.

He also served as an assistant coach for the Moroccan national team between 2014 and 2022, working alongside Badou Zaki, Hervé Renard, and Vahid Halilhodžić.

The former winger remained the last Moroccan player to win the African Ballon d’Or until 2025, when Achraf Hakimi claimed the award following Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph.

Hadji’s latest comments underline his belief that national team commitments must come before individual disagreements, regardless of a player’s experience or achievements.