Shakiel van Persie: I haven't decided between Morocco and Netherlands, will follow my heart
Shakiel van Persie, son of former Dutch star Robin van Persie, confirmed that he has not yet made his final decision regarding which national team he will represent internationally. This comes after he denied reports that he had chosen the Morocco national team. Van Persie told Dutch newspaper "AD": "I haven't formally asked about this matter yet, and I keep seeing rumors saying I've chosen Morocco, but that's not true because I haven't been asked about this yet."
What is Shakiel van Persie's current stance?
The young player clarified that he is not currently thinking about his international future, emphasizing that he will focus on this decision when the time is right. He said: "I wish I could play for both teams, but when the time comes to choose, I will think carefully about it, and I don't know now what I will decide."
How will van Persie decide between Morocco and Netherlands?
He concluded by mentioning his parents' support for any decision he makes, explaining that their constant advice is to follow his heart, and that the most important thing for them is that he makes the decision that makes him happy. Shakiel van Persie is eligible to represent the Morocco national team due to his mother's Moroccan origins, in addition to his eligibility to play for the Netherlands.
What impact will this decision have on the Morocco national team?
This statement comes at a time when the Morocco national team is struggling with inconsistent results, having lost their last two matches, the most recent being a 2-0 defeat to France on July 9, 2026. The team has had poor results in their last five matches, with one win, two draws, and two losses. Van Persie's decision is expected to be important for the Morocco national team, especially with the need to strengthen their squad before the 2026 World Cup.
