Former Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay has publicly declared his support for Morocco over the Netherlands ahead of their World Cup round of 16 match.
The revelation came during a broadcast of the television show NOS WK Avond on June 28, 2026.
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Afellay made his preference clear when directly questioned by fellow talk-show guest and former manager Ron Jans.
"Voor wie ben je eigenlijk?" Jans asked.
The former PSV and FC Barcelona player answered immediately, clarifying that his emotional connection remains tied to his heritage for this specific fixture.
"In dit geval, voor deze wedstrijd, ligt mijn hart bij Marokko," Afellay said.
Fellow analyst André Ooijer questioned the sincerity of the statement, prompting Afellay to explain his deep family roots and upbringing.
"Mijn roots liggen in Marokko, mijn ouders komen er vandaan en mijn familie woont daar. Wat voor motivatie moet ik nog meer geven?"
he said.
Afellay noted that while he grew up in the Netherlands and earned 32 caps for the Dutch national team, his selection was based strictly on merit rather than personality.
"Het klopt dat ik 32 interlands voor Nederland heb gespeeld. Ik ben ook hier opgegroeid en daar ben ik dankbaar voor.
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Maar dat komt ook door mijn eigen prestaties. Ik zat niet bij het Nederlands elftal omdat ik een aardige jongen ben," Afellay said.
He reiterated that his choice is guided entirely by his personal feelings, adding that he will still feel happy for whichever nation secures the victory.
