Barcelona rising star Lamine Yamal has revealed the reasons behind his decision to represent the Spanish national football team instead of Morocco, despite his strong ties to the North African country.
Born in Rocafonda, Spain, Yamal comes from a diverse background, with a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. This heritage made him eligible to play for Spain, Morocco, and Equatorial Guinea, giving him a rare choice for an international career.
At just 18 years old, Yamal is already making headlines for his performances with Barcelona and now for his choice of national allegiance.
In a recent interview with TouchlineX, as reported by 60 Minutes of CBS News, Yamal admitted that representing Morocco had crossed his mind.
“Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals,” Yamal said.
Morocco’s historic run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, had clearly impressed the young player. However, when it came to the final decision, he felt drawn to Spain.
“But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the EURO and in Europe,” he added.
Yamal highlighted that playing in Europe offers more visibility and experience at the highest level. “I believe European football is watched more, and I think it’s closer to the international high level. And praise be to God, I did that. It also makes me close to the World Cup with chances to win it,” he said.
Despite choosing Spain, Yamal made it clear that his connection to Morocco remains strong. “I will always carry love for Morocco, as it is my country too. And I grew up in Spain, and I also feel that it is my country,” he said.
His words highlight the complex decisions faced by young dual-nationality players, who often have to weigh personal ambition, international exposure, and emotional ties to family heritage.
Yamal’s situation is not unique. Many talented players with dual or multiple national eligibilities often face pressure from both countries’ football federations. In Yamal’s case, Spain’s football infrastructure, competitive opportunities in UEFA competitions, and proximity to top international tournaments played a significant role in his decision.
Yamal has been a standout talent at Barcelona, quickly rising through the ranks of La Masia, the club’s famed youth academy. His skill, pace, and attacking prowess have earned him first-team opportunities at an unusually young age, making him one of the brightest prospects in European football.
The young winger’s ability to play in multiple positions across the front line gives Barcelona tactical flexibility. His development has been closely watched by football fans and pundits, and his decision to represent Spain further increases his profile on the international stage.
By committing to Spain, Yamal now has the opportunity to participate in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, where he can compete against some of the best players in the world.
With the next international competitions approaching, Yamal’s choice positions him well to contribute to Spain’s ambitions in European and global football. His blend of European training and multicultural background gives him a unique perspective, making him a role model for other young players with multiple eligibilities.
Fans in Spain and Morocco alike are watching closely, with many hoping that Yamal’s career will continue to flourish. While he chose Spain, his respect and affection for Morocco show that national identity in football is often more nuanced than a single choice.
