Rabat – Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali has reiterated his ambition to return to the Morocco national team, saying his long-term goal remains representing the Atlas Lions at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, El Hilali said his immediate priority is performing consistently for Espanyol, believing his club form will ultimately determine whether he earns another international call-up.
“I hope to return. Representing your country is one of the most beautiful things a footballer can experience, and I would be very happy if that happens,” El Hilali said.
The 22-year-old acknowledged that selection must be earned through performances at club level.
“If you perform well, you will always have a chance to join the national team. If you are not at your best, your chances decrease significantly,” he explained.
El Hilali added that he remains patient about his international future and will continue working even if he is not included in upcoming squads.
“When the time comes, my turn will come,” he said. “If I am called up, I will be very happy. If not, I will keep working hard until one day I return.”
Missing major tournaments proved difficult
El Hilali admitted that missing major tournaments with Morocco was difficult, particularly after previously experiencing international competition at youth level.
The Espanyol academy graduate was part of Morocco’s squad that won the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, a tournament that also secured qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
His senior breakthrough came later. El Hilali was first included in Walid Regragui’s senior setup in March 2025 and eventually made his Morocco debut against Zambia in September that year, replacing Mohamed Chibi in the closing stages of a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Ndola.
That remains his only senior appearance for the Atlas Lions. He subsequently missed Morocco’s 2025 AFCON campaign, where the hosts reached the final before losing 1-0 to Senegal after extra time, and was also absent from the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
El Hilali said those omissions prompted him to question what more he could have done, but he eventually accepted the situation and supported Morocco as a fan.
The right-back, who turns 23 on September 12, remains a regular for Espanyol and has played 345 minutes across the club’s opening four LaLiga matches this season.
“In football there are always second and third chances,” El Hilali said. “I hope one day to play in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, but right now I am 100% focused on what I am doing with Espanyol.”