Latest news with #Dutch-Moroccan
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
‘They Always Supported Me': Mohamed Ihattaren Chooses Morocco
Doha – Dutch-Moroccan football prodigy Mohamed Ihattaren has officially decided to represent Morocco at the international level. The 23-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for RKC Waalwijk in the Netherlands, announced his decision to switch allegiance after previously representing the Netherlands in youth categories. In an exclusive interview with Dutch media outlet SportNieuwsNL, Ihattaren confirmed his choice. 'Yes, for me, it will now be the Moroccan team. Morocco has always supported me,' he declared, ending years of speculation about his international future. Born on February 12, 2002, in Utrecht to Moroccan parents, Ihattaren holds dual Moroccan-Dutch nationality. He represented the Netherlands in multiple youth categories (U15, U16, U17, U19) but never made an appearance for the Oranje senior team. The talented midfielder was once considered one of Dutch football's brightest prospects. However, his promising career was derailed by both sporting difficulties and off-field problems, including legal issues in the Netherlands that seriously slowed his progress. Several years ago, Ihattaren emerged as a sensation in Dutch football. At just 17, the left-footed midfielder broke through at PSV Eindhoven, quickly becoming the new star of Dutch football. Despite being heavily courted by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), he initially chose the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman. At the time, a major announcement was made on the Dutch national team's social media channels, in partnership with his sponsor, Nike. Although called up multiple times to the Netherlands squad, he never officially debuted, spending two Nations League matches on the bench. After a promising start to his career, Ihattaren experienced a serious setback due to depression, a downward spiral, his father's death, alleged connections to criminal groups in the Netherlands, and weight problems. His situation became so dire that he considered retirement after nearly three years without playing football. His career has been marked by a series of club changes without playing time – Juventus, Sampdoria, Ajax, and Slavia Prague – all ending in difficult separations. He faced legal cases in the Netherlands, as he was accused of assault and threatening his ex-girlfriend. Since having his contract terminated by Slavia Prague in April, he had temporarily disappeared from the football radar. Last season, RKC Waalwijk took a chance on reviving his career, which proved relatively successful as he rediscovered his joy for football. He contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 28 Eredivisie matches. Ihattaren now insists he has turned the page: 'I've found the joy of playing again.' This is encouraging news for those who never doubted his raw talent and still hope to see him shine at the highest level. Back in August 2019, then-Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic had already pre-selected him for two friendly matches. Ihattaren did not respond positively at that time. Today, his decision is final. The midfielder was recently spotted attending Glory 100, a kickboxing event where Moroccan-Belgian fighter Jamal Ben Saddik competed. 'I would have liked to see it end differently, but this is also the sports world,' Ihattaren said about Ben Saddik's match against Sofian Laïdouni. 'Sometimes it can end like this. But for me, he remains a winner.' Regarding his club future, Ihattaren remains open to possibilities. 'The Netherlands would be great, but Belgium is also not far from where I currently am. You never know what the future holds in football. The interest must be real, and they need to reach an agreement with my agent. Until then, I'll see what comes my way. I believe every step is the right one for me,' he explained. While he works to stabilize his club situation, his choice to represent Morocco's Atlas Lions could reinvigorate his career. It remains to be seen whether current Morocco coach Walid Regragui will offer him an opportunity in the national team. Tags: Atlas Lionsmohamed ihattarenMoroccan national footbal team
Daily Tribune
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 Set to Rock with Star-Studded Concert Lineup
As Bahrain gears up to host the 2025 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from April 11 to 13, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), known as "The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East", has announced a vibrant lineup of concerts as part of the entertainment extravaganza accompanying the race weekend. Taking place at the Formula 1 Village behind the Main Grandstand, the entertainment program will feature three nights of major concerts, each beginning at 9:30 PM, following the on-track racing action. These performances are open to all ticket holders at no extra charge, offering a dynamic fusion of motorsport and world-class music. 🌟 Headlining Acts: Friday, April 11: R3HAB – The multi-platinum Dutch-Moroccan DJ and producer, known for his global hits and collaborations, will ignite the stage with his signature electronic beats. Saturday, April 12: Peggy Gou – The internationally acclaimed DJ and pop icon will bring her genre-blending sounds to Bahrain, riding high on chart-topping singles across multiple countries. Sunday, April 13: Axwell – The Grammy-nominated producer and former member of Swedish House Mafia will close out the weekend with an electrifying performance, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. Beyond the concerts, BIC has planned a packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment throughout the Grand Prix weekend, turning the event into a memorable outing for fans of all ages. 🎵 Artist Highlights: R3HAB has garnered over 12 billion streams globally, including 1.1 billion in 2024 alone. Consistently ranked in the Top 20 of DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs since 2017, he boasts over 100 certifications in platinum, diamond, and gold. Peggy Gou is a trailblazer in electronic and pop music, with international acclaim and top-charting singles. Axwell has earned two Grammy nominations and has been featured nine times in DJ Mag's Top 100 list. He's also a four-time winner of DJ Awards, cementing his global influence in the music industry. The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix will not only host the fourth round of this year's Formula 1 World Championship but also double as a celebration of F1's 75th anniversary, offering an unforgettable weekend of speed, sound, and spectacle. 🎫 Tickets & Hospitality: Fans can secure their tickets and hospitality packages – including the Dome Lounge – through BIC's outlets at Bahrain City Centre or via the official website For more information, call the BIC hotline at +973 17450000.
CairoScene
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Eslam Jawaad Dreams of Arab Unity on Heartfelt Anthem ‘Umaton Wa7ida'
Released on the MENA-focused collective ARXP Cartel, the track sees Jawaad delivering raw bars in rapid flows with absolute assertiveness. Mar 04, 2025 Lebanese-Syrian rapper Eslam Jawaad returns with a new single 'Umaton Wa7ida', a powerful anthem calling for the unity of the Arab nation. Released under the MENA-focused collective ARXP Cartel, the track features Cilvaringz, a Dutch-Moroccan record producer and rapper who is associated with the Wu-Tang Clan, and is known for producing the world's most expensive music album, 'Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time in Shaolin'. Against the background of a hard-hitting beat, Jawaad delivers raw bars in the vernacular Syrian dialect in rapid flows with absolute assertiveness. The track is accompanied by an AI-generated music video, depicting life in a war-torn Syria during Ramadan. Despite the signs of destruction, the video emphasises unwavering resilience and hope for an indefinite Arab unity, using cultural motifs that highlight the country's heritage and roots as a reminder of the beauty of Syria.
