Équipe nationale Côte d’Ivoire : un fils d’une légende des Éléphants choisit le Maroc
Young Sporting Anderlecht defender Kays Houdoussi Barry has decided to continue his international career with Morocco. The son of former Elephants goalkeeper Boubacar Copa Barry, a member of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, he was eligible to play for Morocco with three caps.

Kays Houdoussi Barry has finally made his choice. The Anderlecht centre-back, who could have represented Belgium, Ivory Coast, or Morocco, has opted for the Atlas Lions. The procedures related to his change of sporting nationality have been finalized with FIFA.
The 19-year-old is expected to make his debut for the Moroccan national team soon. He has been called up by Jamal Aït Ben Idir for the upcoming U23 training camp, scheduled from September 21 to October 6. Morocco will play two friendly matches against Mali and Tanzania.
A choice between three nations
Born and raised in Belgium, Kays Barry had previously played for the Belgian youth national teams, notably the U19s. However, his family background offered him other opportunities.
The young defender is indeed the son of Boubacar "Copa" Barry, a major figure in the history of Ivorian football, and also has Moroccan ties through his mother. After several years spent in Belgian youth categories, he has therefore chosen to represent Morocco.
This choice marks a turning point in the player's international career, who could now be called upon to climb the ranks with the Moroccan national teams.
Kays Barry's name is reminiscent of his father's. Boubacar Copa Barry remains one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in the recent history of the Elephants.
Copa Barry has also just joined Hervé Renard's staff, giving a new dimension to his football career.
Kays Barry also knows Belgian football well. His father played for about ten years at Lokeren, where the young defender took his first steps in the youth academy.
He then joined Anderlecht's youth academy in Neerpede about six years ago. In August 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Sporting.
This season, Kais Barry continues his development with RSCA Futures in the Challenger Pro League. The central defender (1.74 kg) has already made seven appearances and continues to gain experience at the professional level.
His choice of Morocco now opens a new chapter in a still young career, with the ambition of gradually establishing himself among the Atlas Lions.
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