Latest news with #OmarElHilali
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Omar El Hilali: Deport Migrants Who Commit Crimes
Moroccan international and Espanyol player Omar El Hilali has called for migrants who commit crimes in Spain to be deported. In an interview with Spanish platform BTV, El Hilali criticised what he described as a small group of migrants 'who come here with no intention of working' and 'spread hate and commit crimes'. 'If someone comes to Spain and doesn't want to work, they should go back to their country,' he said. 'They don't represent us.' His comments follow recent unrest in Torre Pacheco, southern Spain, involving tensions between locals and migrant communities. El Hilali, born in Spain to Moroccan parents, said this minority damages the reputation of others. 'People look at me as if I've committed 40 crimes just because of how I look,' he added. 'That's the result of what some are doing.' He also recalled a past incident in which his mother was falsely accused of theft, saying the situation would not have occurred had migrants not been associated with crime. Racism in Spanish Football El Hilali's remarks come amid growing scrutiny of racism in Spanish football. Athletic Club striker Maroan Sannadi was racially abused during a match against Espanyol. Fans chanted 'puto moro' ('f***ing Moroccan') before the referee stopped play and anti-racism messages were broadcast. In a separate incident, Espanyol B forward Omar Sadik was also called 'puto moro' during a match against Europa. The referee activated La Liga's racism protocol, and Espanyol issued a public statement supporting the player. Several other Moroccan or African-origin players, including Adama Boiro and Álvaro Djaló, have reported similar abuse during La Liga games. The Spanish football federation is under pressure to respond more forcefully. On Choosing Morocco El Hilali also addressed his decision to play for Morocco rather than Spain. 'I was born in Spain, but my roots are Moroccan. My family wanted me to represent Morocco, and they're proud of it,' he said. El Hilali has been a regular starter for Espanyol over the last two seasons and is seen as one of the most promising defenders in Spanish football. Tags: Barcelonaespagnolomar el hilaliracismSpain
Ya Biladi
21-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Torre-Pacheco : Footballer Omar Hilali calls for the expulsion of Moroccans who «don't come to work»
In the wake of recent violence in Torre Pacheco, a town in the Murcia region, Moroccan international footballer Omar El Hilali, who plays for Espanyol, has spoken out against the negative impact such incidents have on the perception of immigrants striving for a better life in Spain. In an interview with Betevé, the 23-year-old El Hilali remarked, «These actions tarnish the reputation of those of us who come here to work and integrate. While the majority work hard to make a living, there is a small group that does not share this goal». Born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat to a family of Moroccan immigrants, El Hilali emphasized the need for action, stating, «Anyone who does not come to work should be sent back to their country, regardless of their nationality». The Moroccan-Spanish player, who represented Morocco's under-23 team in 2023, also shared his frustrations with the stereotypes he encounters, asserting, «People who don't know I'm a football player look at me as if I've committed 40 crimes». He recounted a troubling incident involving his mother, who was wrongfully accused of theft in a store while with her grandchild. The staff's demeanor shifted once he arrived and was recognized as a well-known player, prompting an apology to his mother. For the record, Torre Pacheco recently experienced unrest two weeks ago, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals and the identification of 120 others, most with known records of violence. The turmoil erupted following an assault by two youths on an elderly man, sparking targeted violence against immigrants, predominantly Moroccans.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Espanyol youngster rejected Barcelona twice in his youth career
According to a fresh report from AS, Barcelona made two separate attempts to sign Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali, but were rebuffed on both occasions by a player who has consistently prioritised his loyalty to the club where he has developed and flourished. El Hilali, now 21 years old, has become a cornerstone in Espanyol's defensive structure and is seen as a symbol of the club's identity. Remarkably, his allegiance to Espanyol was absolute even during his formative years. Advertisement Barcelona first tried to lure him before he had even played for Espanyol, spotting his potential early. However, Omar declined the opportunity to join the more glamorous La Masia academy, opting instead to commit to Espanyol's setup. The second instance The second approach came later, during his spell with Espanyol's U19 side, where his performances had again attracted the attention of Barça scouts. But once more, Omar stood firm. His response was simple and direct: 'I'm an Espanyol player.' Omar El Hilali rejected Barcelona twice. (Photo by) Despite the prestige, resources, and development pathway Barcelona offered, El Hilali prioritised identity and loyalty, a rare trait in the modern game, especially among young players. Advertisement This commitment has paid off. Under Manolo Gonzalez, El Hilali has become a regular starter at right-back, missing only two matches this La Liga campaign due to suspension. His performances this season have been consistently impressive, placing him firmly on the radar of top clubs, and not just in Spain. Furthermore, his return to the squad for the crucial clash against Barcelona this Thursday is set to draw even more attention, especially with the Blaugrana fully aware of what they missed out on twice. What makes this situation particularly interesting from Barcelona's perspective is their ongoing search for reliable full-backs. Despite recent efforts to reinforce the position, the club has struggled to find long-term, consistent performers at right-back. In hindsight, El Hilali could have been a smart investment, young, talented, and already integrated into Catalan football.
Morocco World
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Arsenal Eye Moroccan Ace Omar El Hilali for Summer Transfer
Arsenal is reportedly keeping a close eye on Moroccan international Omar El Hilali, the Espagnol Barcelona right-back, ahead of the next summer transfer window. According to British news outlet The Sun, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of next year's campaign and sees the young Moroccan as a perfect fit for Arsenal's high-defensive block and pressing system. Espagnol has slapped a $16-million price tag on their prized full-back – a figure Arsenal board are reportedly ready to meet as they hope to reinforce their right-back options. El Hilali has impressed this season, racking up 25 league appearances in La Liga, delivering two assists, and boasting a solid 59% aerial duel success rate and 64% win rate in ground battles. Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui awarded the defender with a first-time call-up to the national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25 in Oujda. Born in Spain, El Hilali has come through Espagnol's ranks and has always voiced his willingness in interviews to play for Morocco's senior squad. He was part of Morocco's U23 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2023. Arsenal has been struggling with an injury crisis this season. Takehiro Tomiyaso is out of the season with a knee injury, while Jakub Kiwior has struggled to convince. Arteta is keen to add fresh legs to compete against Ben White and Jurrien Timber for the right-back spot. And it's not just El Hilali on Arsenal's radar. Reports suggest the North Londoners are also interested in signing Espagnol's Joan Garcia, meaning that the Gunners could soon mount a double raid on the Catalan club.
Morocco World
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Squad Announcement: Talbi, El Hilali, Igamane, and Nadir Poised for Senior Debuts
Walid Regragui has unveiled Morocco's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25 in Oujda. The squad features the shock return of veteran defender Jaouad El Yamiq, alongside first-time call-ups for rising talents Omar El Hilali and Chemsdine Talbi. Hamza Igamane earned his place after standout performances in the Scottish league, while Bilal Nadir's inclusion comes after a fierce tug-of-war with Algeria, who were eager to snatch the promising midfielder. Morocco Squad: Goalkeepers: Munir El Kajoui Yassine Bounou Mehdi Benabid Defenders: Achraf Hakimi Noussair Mazraoui Abdelillah Abqar Jamal Harkass Nayef Aguerd Jaouad El Yamiq Omar El Hilali Adam Aznou Midfielders: Bilal El Khannouss Ismael Saibari Sofyan Amrabat Oussama Targhalline Azzedine Ounahi Bilal Nadir Attackers: Brahim Diaz Chemsdine Talbi Hamza Igamane Soufiane Rahimi Youssef En-Nesyri Abde Ezzalzouli Eliesse Ben Seghir Osame Sahraoui Amine Adli
