El Aynaoui's father sparks Morocco controversy over son's Africa Cup win
Squad News·25 June 2026·17h ago

El Aynaoui's father sparks Morocco controversy over son's Africa Cup win

Source: Forza Roma

Younes El Aynaoui, father of AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, has ignited debate in Morocco with comments about his son's relationship to the nation's Africa Cup of Nations title. Speaking to RMC Sport, the father stated: "My son does not feel like an Africa Cup champion." The remark references Morocco's January final against Senegal, which the team lost on the pitch but won through legal appeal, securing the trophy via court decision. The comments have divided Moroccan supporters, with many criticizing the father for remarks deemed inappropriate during a critical World Cup campaign.

El Aynaoui, a Roma midfielder, has delivered three consecutive high-level performances at the tournament and has attracted interest from Barcelona. However, his father's public statements have overshadowed his on-field success. The second wave of controversy emerged from further remarks about Neil's national team choice. Born in Nancy and developed in France, El Aynaoui reportedly considered representing France before selecting Morocco. His father explained: "He considered the French national team a squad of the highest level, perhaps he doubted he could be part of it." He added that manager Walid Regragui's efforts over the years led to his eventual Morocco call-up, though France never formally invited him.

The father's intervention has fueled social media debate at a time when Morocco requires unity during the World Cup. El Aynaoui continues to perform well on the pitch but now faces external distractions from his family's public commentary.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

A scatenare la furia dei tifosi è stata anche una frase sulla scelta della Nazionale da rappresentare Redazione 25 giugno - 14:14 Gasp non lascia e raddoppia: Ndicka resta, occhi su Ostigard El Aynaoui è una delle stelle indiscusse di questo Mondiale. Il centrocampista giallorosso si sta prendendo le luci della scena mondiale. Tre partite, tre prestazioni di altissimo livello. In molti stanno notando il suo talento, tanto da attirare l’interesse del Barcellona. Ma mentre Neil brilla in campo, fuori è il padre a far discutere. Younes El Aynaoui, ai microfoni di RMC Sport, ha rilasciato una frase che ha scatenato la polemica in Marocco: "Mio figlio non si sente campione d’Africa". Un riferimento a quanto accaduto a gennaio. Il Marocco aveva perso sul campo la finale contro il Senegal. Poi, però, aveva vinto il ricorso in tribunale, ottenendo l’assegnazione del titolo. Le parole del padre hanno diviso i tifosi. In molti si sono schierati contro di lui. Una frase considerata fuori luogo in un momento così delicato per la Nazionale, impegnata nel Mondiale. Il Marocco si sta giocando tutto e l’ambiente chiede unità. La seconda parte dell’intervista ha alimentato ulteriormente la polemica sui social. Il centrocampista, nato a Nancy e cresciuto in Francia, avrebbe valutato a lungo la possibilità di giocare per i Bleus prima della scelta del Marocco. "Considerava la nazionale francese una squadra di altissimo livello, forse dubitava di poter farne parte", ha spiegato il padre. Gli sforzi di Walid Regragui nel corso degli anni hanno poi portato alla sua convocazione con il Marocco. Resta però un punto centrale: la Francia non lo aveva mai chiamato. Neil, intanto, continua a brillare in campo. E pensa solo al Mondiale. Il padre, invece, ha acceso una polemica destinata a far discutere ancora a lungo. © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Calciomercato AS Roma Soulé, dai nuovi contatti arabi alla Germania: le novità sul futuro dell'argentino News AS Roma Roma, base solida e pochi ritocchi: la strategia di Gasperini per la nuova difesa Calciomercato AS Roma Roma, nuova idea per la difesa: rispunta Disasi, ecco la richiesta del Chelsea Radio Pensieri 'RADIO PENSIERI', VOCALELLI: "Inizierei a pensare ad un piano b di Greenwood" Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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