Mayssa Baha has confirmed she will represent Morocco, ending speculation over whether the Barcelona forward could choose Spain or France.
The 15-year-old, who was born in Spain and is also eligible to play for France through her father Nabil Baha’s origins, made her decision clear in an interview with the media channel of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Baha has risen rapidly through the Barcelona women’s set-up. In September, after being selected to play above her age group, she became the youngest goalscorer in the history of Liga F.
Her progress had attracted interest from both Spain and France, but the teenager said she was proud to follow in the footsteps of her father and older brother, Ziyad Baha.
Nabil Baha is a former Morocco international and is now coach of the Morocco Under-23 side. Ziyad, 17, plays for OM and was part of the Morocco team that won the Africa Under-17 title last year. He now represents the Atlas Cubs at Under-20 level.
Speaking about her international future, Mayssa Baha expressed her affection for the Moroccan shirt and described the opportunity to follow her family’s path as “a great honour”.
Her decision appears to end Spain’s hopes of persuading her to switch allegiance. According to Futbol Marroqui 212, the Spanish side had made significant efforts to convince her to choose Spain rather than Morocco. France is also no longer an option for the forward.
Baha also spoke about her first experiences with football, saying she had been inspired by her brother as she began developing her own career.
The Barcelona player commented on Morocco’s Under-17 team at the Women’s Under-17 World Cup, which is being held at home. The team recorded a 4-0 victory over New Zealand in the tournament.
She ended by promising to “do my best” to make Morocco’s supporters proud.
After her father and brother, Baha now has the chance to begin writing her own international story with the Red and Green.