Lamine Yamal reveals why he Chose Spain over Morocco despite strong ties

Lamine Yamal reveals why he Chose Spain over Morocco despite strong ties

Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, has shed fresh light on his decision to commit his international future to the Spain national team, despite being eligible for Morocco and Equatorial Guinea.

Born in Rocafonda, Spain, to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal represented Spain through the youth ranks — U15, U16, and U17 — before making history in 2023 as the youngest player to feature for La Roja.

Speaking on his international choice, the winger admitted he considered donning the colours of Morocco, especially after the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals,” he said. “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.”

READ ALSO:

• Fresh security fears as vandals attack Kaduna rail infrastructure after court jails offenders
• Lagos State Tenancy Bill 2025 Set to Protect Tenants, Curb Landlord Abuses
• Lauretta Onochie slams Tinubu over nepotism, writes open letter to late Buhari

Yamal explained that the global visibility of European football influenced his decision, noting that it offered a clearer path to the game’s highest level.

He added: “I will always carry love for Morocco; it is my country too. I grew up in Spain, and I also feel it is my country.”

The 18-year-old fulfilled his dream at the EURO 2024, guiding Spain to the championship while winning the Young Player of the Tournament award. At 17 years and one day, he became the youngest player ever to win the European Championship.

Yamal’s meteoric rise continued into 2025. He became the youngest nominee for the Ballon d’Or, won the Kopa Trophy in 2024 and 2025, and finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings — all before turning 19.

For Barcelona, the prodigy played a pivotal role in securing a domestic treble, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España last season.

With his blend of talent, maturity, and international clarity, Lamine Yamal stands firmly among the brightest stars shaping the future of world football.

Lamine Yamal reveals why he Chose Spain over Morocco despite strong ties