{
  "id": 6235913,
  "title": "Mohamed Ihattaren’s long road back: From Dutch teen sensation to rock bottom but Morocco dream remains",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/mohamed-ihattarens-long-road-back-from-dutch-teen-sensation-to-rock-6235913",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-08T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/09/08/mohamed-ihattarens-long-road-back-from-dutch-teen-sensation-to-rock-bottom-but-morocco-dream-remains/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mohamed Ihattaren, once a highly touted Dutch-Moroccan football talent, has faced a tumultuous journey from being a promising teenager to struggling to find a club. At the age of 24, he is now rebuilding his career after a series of setbacks and controversies. Ihattaren's early career was marked by his mesmerizing performances, earning him comparisons to football greats like Clarence Seedorf and Riyad Mahrez. However, his private life and off-field issues began to overshadow his football prowess.\n\nIn 2019, Ihattaren expressed his desire to play for Morocco, following in the footsteps of his family. This declaration, made after playing for the Dutch national team at every youth level, showcased his talent and potential. He even secured a four-year deal with Juventus in 2021, but his career quickly took a downward turn. This was followed by a loan spell at Sampdoria, which ended prematurely due to accusations of poor conduct.\n\nIattaren's time at Ajax was marked by off-field scandals, leading to an unsuccessful loan spell. His contract with Juventus was subsequently terminated, and he was eventually released by Turkish side Samsunspor. His time at Slavia Prague also ended in disappointment when he was released without playing a single minute.\n\nIn 2024, Ihattaren joined RKC Waalwijk on a short-term contract, but his career continues to be plagued by a lack of fitness and dedication. Despite his immense talent as demonstrated in his recent performance for Fortuna Sittard, Ihattaren's future in professional football remains uncertain.",
  "summary": "Had things gone to plan, Mohamed Ihattaren might be a global star by now – a full international returning from a summer spent competing against the elite at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he watched at home before reporting for pre-season training at Fortuna Sittard, the modest Eredivisie outfit and seventh club of the 24-year-old attacking midfielder's turbulent career. Ihattaren is one of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Mohamed Ihattaren’s long road back: From Dutch teen sensation to rock bottom but Morocco dream remains",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/mohamed-ihattarens-long-road-back-from-dutch-teen-sensation-to-rock",
        "published": "2026-09-08T04:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}