Rayan Belaid reveals the reasons for his choice to play for Spain rather than Algeria

Atletico Madrid’s young winger, Rayan Belaid, revealed the reasons for his choice to play for the Spanish national team instead of representing Algeria, during an interview with the Spanish newspaper (As) on Sunday.

Belaid (18 years old) participated with the Algerian national youth team in 2021 under the leadership of coach Mourad Sultani, where he played in the match in which the Algerian team lost to France with a score of 0 -6. It was his first and last participation in the Algerian national team jersey, before joining the age groups of the Spanish national team.

Speaking about the decision, Belaid said: “I was first called up by the Algerian national team, and a week later I received an invitation from Spain. The Spanish asked me to slow down and think carefully before accepting Algeria’s offer, and after reflection with my family, we decided what was best for me.

Belaid was born in the municipality of Oruela, southern Spain, in 2005 to Algerian parents. He joined Atletico Madrid’s academy when he was young and rose through the club’s junior categories until reaching the reserve team, where he is considered one of its members. main actors.