Abdellah Ouazane contributed to Morocco’s second goal against Gabon after earning praise from Marco van Basten, Rafael van der Vaart and Karim El Ahmadi in the Netherlands.
Abdellah Ouazane was on the pitch for only 14 minutes, but that was enough to show why he has become one of the most discussed young players in Dutch football.
The 17-year-old Ajax talent made his senior debut for Morocco during Friday’s 2–0 victory over Gabon in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Introduced in the 76th minute, Ouazane played the pass that released Bilal El Khannouss, whose cross was converted by Soufiane Rahimi for Morocco’s second goal.
It was not officially an assist. It was, however, an immediate contribution from a teenager taking his first steps in senior international football.
At 17 years and eight months, Ouazane became the third-youngest player to represent Morocco. His debut also brought one of Ajax’s most highly regarded academy graduates into a Moroccan generation already rich in young talent.
Dutch greats recognise something special
The excitement surrounding Ouazane extends far beyond his appearance against Gabon.
Marco van Basten, one of the greatest players produced by Ajax and the Netherlands, has praised the teenager’s quality and described him as someone who represents the club’s footballing identity.
Rafael van der Vaart has called Ouazane an exceptional talent, while former Morocco international Karim El Ahmadi believes he possesses the qualities to develop into a player of the highest class.
Such praise carries weight.
Van Basten and Van der Vaart emerged from the same Ajax tradition now shaping Ouazane: technical intelligence, confidence in possession and the courage to influence matches at a young age. Their enthusiasm reflects what analysts and supporters across the Netherlands are increasingly seeing.
Ouazane receives the ball comfortably in tight spaces, moves quickly past opponents and can create an opening before a defence has time to reorganise. He combines technique with physical presence and can operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or deeper creative player.
Ajax recognised his growing impact in September when his spectacular strike against Heerenveen was named the club’s Goal of the Month. Major European clubs have also followed his development, with Real Madrid previously coming close to signing him.
The attention would be considerable for any teenager. Ouazane increasingly appears comfortable carrying it.
Could Morocco have another Bouaddi?
Morocco has recently seen how quickly an exceptional young player can become central to the national team.
Ayyoub Bouaddi made his senior international debut at 18 before emerging as one of Morocco’s outstanding performers at the 2026 World Cup. After starting five of the country’s six matches, he secured a major transfer from Lille to Manchester City.
Ouazane follows a different path and plays with greater attacking freedom. The comparison lies in the speed of their rise and the scale of their potential.
Both developed inside leading European football systems before choosing Morocco. Their decisions underline the growing appeal of the Atlas Lions and the effectiveness of Morocco’s work among its diaspora talent.
Together, Bouaddi and Ouazane could eventually give the national team two technically gifted midfielders capable of shaping matches at the highest level.
A first glimpse of Morocco’s future
Ouazane still has several steps ahead of him. He must establish himself at Ajax, manage the expectations surrounding his rise and turn moments of individual quality into consistent senior performances.
Nothing is guaranteed at 17.
Yet his debut offered a compelling first glimpse. Within minutes of entering the pitch, Ouazane helped open the route to Morocco’s second goal and looked comfortable alongside established internationals.
Bouaddi demonstrated how rapidly a Moroccan prospect can progress from teenage promise to the world stage. Ouazane has now taken his own first step.
Morocco may have welcomed far more than its third-youngest debutant against Gabon. It may have introduced the next major talent of its emerging generation.