Premier League fans will be familiar with the name Issa Diop, who is in Morocco’s starting XI to face Brazil at the World Cup.
Morocco have been tipped as an outside favourite to go far in the tournament and face the toughest test in their Group C campaign against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Diop’s name is perhaps a surprise inclusion to most, but the defender will be a crucial part of Africa’s best hope of having a first champion of the world.
Who is Issa Diop?
The centre-back is currently playing in the Premier League for Fulham, where he has been since 2022.
Before that, he played for West Ham United and has been a regular in England’s top flight after starting his career out at Toulouse.
At 29, he is one of the more experienced members of the squad.
Why is Issa Diop playing for Morocco?
The decision to play for Morocco is only a recent one after he switched allegiance in March 2026.
Diop played for France at youth level and also qualified to play for Senegal, but made his decision earlier this year.
He made his debut against Ecuador in a 1-1 draw and is already confident about the Atlas Lions’ chances of going all the way.
Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of Issa Diop
One person who will be keeping close tabs on how Diop does is newly-appointed Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.
Back in 2018, Mourinho hailed Diop’s performance after West Ham beat Manchester United at the London Stadium, saying: “Congratulations to the scout that found a 21-year-old kid Diop – a monster who dominated everything in the duels.”
Those comments saw the 29-year-old linked with a move to Old Trafford but nothing came to fruition.
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