Lamine Yamal explains why he chose Spain instead of Morocco

FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal talks about his choice to represent La Roja, a decision driven by the demands of European football without denying his Moroccan roots.

Lamine Yamal explained the reasons that led him to choose the Spanish national team rather than Morocco, despite his strong family ties to the Kingdom of Morocco. Born in Rocafonda, Catalonia, to a Moroccan father and an Equatoguinean mother, the 18-year-old winger had three options for his international career: Spain, Morocco or Equatorial Guinea. Highly sought after, especially after the historic run of the Lions of the Atlas to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, Yamal admits that he was, for a time, attracted to the Moroccan squad.

« Deep down, I long dreamed of playing for Morocco, especially after their outstanding World Cup performance », he says, quoted by TouchlineX (via 60 Minutes of CBS News). « But when the time to decide came, I never really hesitated. With all the respect and affection I have for Morocco, I’ve always wanted to play at the Euros and develop in European football. »

For Yamal, the choice came naturally : « I think European football is more exposed and closer to the very highest international level. Thank God I was able to get there. That increases my chances of playing in a World Cup and, why not, winning it one day. » The Barcelona winger doesn’t forget his roots : « I’ll always have love for Morocco, it’s a part of me. But I grew up in Spain, and I also consider this country my own. »