Sofyan Amrabat Rules Himself Out of Morocco Duty Under Ouahbi: 'I Remain the Biggest Fan'

On the evening of September 7, 2026, Sofyan Amrabat surprised Moroccan football fans with a short Instagram message: he would not be part of the national team's upcoming gathering for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Crucially, he insisted he had not retired, only that he was 'making himself unavailable' for personal reasons and out of respect for the team. A brief statement, yet it opened up countless questions about the relationship between the veteran midfielder and new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. Ouahbi took over the hot seat from Walid Regragui back in March 2026. Since then, Morocco have entered a generational transition. Veterans like Romain Saïss and Noussair Mazraoui are still around, but the new generation with Azzedine Ounahi and especially Ayyoub Bouaddi – the 19-year-old Lille midfielder – has started to earn full trust from the coaching staff. Bouaddi's rise is widely seen as a key factor pushing Amrabat to reconsider his position. At the 2026 World Cup on American, Canadian and Mexican soil, Amrabat was handed only one start in all six matches Morocco played. For a player who was once a key figure in the historic run to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, being a regular substitute is a clear demotion. Tactically, under Regragui, Amrabat was a 'sweeper' in front of the backline, providing a double shield for the centre-backs. But under Ouahbi, Morocco's style has gradually changed: Bouaddi presses forward, Ounahi makes line-breaking passes. The team now needs a number six who controls tempo rather than simply winning the ball back. At 30, Amrabat's turning ability and pace are no longer absolute strengths. Amrabat's 'unavailability' may signal more than just a personal matter. He does not want to accept a backup role, nor does he openly criticise the coach. Instead, he chooses a temporary withdrawal, a subtle form of silent protest often seen in elite football. But there is a paradox: his absence unexpectedly opens opportunities for both sides. For Ouahbi, this is the time to fully hand the keys to Bouaddi and Ounahi during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and to experiment with a more youthful lineup. For Amrabat, he can focus on a full season at Ajax Amsterdam – the team he recently joined after a loan spell at Manchester City – to regain form and prove his worth. If he performs well, the door back to the national team remains wide open. What many overlook is the mounting pressure on Mohamed Ouahbi. Morocco's first Group A match in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Gabon takes place on September 25; four days later they travel to Lesotho in Bloemfontein. If those two matches go badly, media and supporters will immediately point at Amrabat's decision. Questions about dressing-room harmony and whether the coach is alienating a star player will resurface. But looking at the numbers, Amrabat's name at Morocco this season no longer carries the same weight as before. From my experience following Morocco's matches, I recognise a familiar pattern in North African football: abundant talent but fragility when internal disputes arise. Remember how Zinedine Zidane retired internationally then returned, or those many standoffs between coaches and players at top national sides. Amrabat said he has 'not retired', so this story may simply quiet down. However, it also shows that coach Ouahbi needs to quickly establish new discipline. A team can only be successful when key players understand their roles – and Amrabat, with his accomplished career, struggles to accept a minor part. Look at AFCON 2027 to understand why Amrabat's decision is so significant. The tournament will be hosted by Morocco – a golden opportunity to win their first title since 2026. Team preparation, squad depth and team spirit all matter now. If Amrabat stays home, Morocco still have Bouaddi, Ounahi and many new faces. But in terms of big-game experience and grit, they still need players who reached the World Cup semi-finals. That is why we cannot write Amrabat off in the long term. It is safe to say Amrabat's statement is a mental shock but also a test for Ouahbi. Is he bold enough to build the team without the biggest star? Or will he swallow his pride and persuade him to return? The upcoming qualifiers will offer some answers. As for Sư tử Atlas fans, enjoy a new era, but remember that a warrior still exists, waiting until the team truly needs him.