“From now on I am a Lion of the Atlas”: MHSC midfielder Khalil Fayad changes sporting nationality and chooses Morocco

À 19 ans, Khalil Fayad a décidé de porter les couleurs des sélections nationales du Maroc. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

À 19 ans, le joueur montpelliérain a annoncé ce lundi 27 mai avoir opté pour la nationalité marocaine après être passé par plusieurs équipes de France de jeunes.

Khalil Fayad and the Blues, it’s over. The Montpellier HSC midfielder announced this Monday that he had decided to change his sporting nationality and opted for Morocco, a few days before his 20th birthday, June 9.

"After several months of reflection, I have the immense honor of announcing to you my decision to join the Moroccan selection", the player wrote on Instagram to reveal his choice. "From now on, I am an Atlas Lion".

Khalil Fayad's first contacts with the Moroccan federation are not recent. Approached for several years, the man whose father Mustafa had been semi-professional in Morocco had refused several advances in the past.

Also read: Young Khalil Fayad, midfielder and new treasure of Montpellier

Like the Monegasque Eliesse Ben Seghir this year, he ended up giving in at a time when the Atlas Lions, semi-finalists of the last 2022 World Cup, are engaged in a vast undertaking of recruitment of dual nationals.

"Proud to have worn this blue jersey"

Khalil Fayad, born in Montpellier, discovered the youth selections of the French team in the U18 category, in September 2021. Since then, he has worn the colors of the U19s and U20s for a total of 16 caps and 1 goal.

"I will never forget my years with the French team and I am proud to have worn this blue jersey&quot ;, he says in his post.

He was recently called up by Landry Chauvin with the French U20s to play in the Maurice-Revello tournament, along with his pailladin partner Lucas Mincarelli. Victim of a torn thigh during the last L1 match in Lens (2-2), requiring 4 to 6 weeks off, the midfielder finally gave up. A few days before announcing his choice and becoming an Atlas Lion.