“40 million Moroccans cheer for Lamine Yamal” – Mustapha Hadji

Moroccan football legend Mustapha Hadji has revealed the extent of the affection Lamine Yamal continues to enjoy in Morocco, insisting that millions of supporters remain behind the Barcelona star despite his decision to represent Spain at international level.

Yamal, who has Moroccan heritage, opted to play for Spain after being eligible to represent both countries. The decision was a disappointment for some Moroccan supporters, who had hoped the talented winger would choose the Atlas Lions, but Hadji insists that the youngster has not lost the support of his ancestral homeland.

Speaking in an interview with Kooora, the former Morocco international explained that Yamal’s decision should be understood in the context of his young age and the opportunities available to him at the time.

“Although Yamal represents Spain today, we as Moroccans love and support him, and we consider his blood to be Moroccan,” Hadji said.

The former midfielder acknowledged that Morocco would have benefited significantly from having the Barcelona forward in their national team, given his exceptional technical ability, creativity and growing influence in European football.

However, Hadji believes the teenager faced a difficult decision when choosing his international future, particularly given the opportunities that came with representing Spain.

“He was young when he made the decision to play for Barcelona, the biggest club in the world, and he suffered from the pressure. It was difficult for him to refuse the opportunity to play for the Spanish national team at such a young age,” he added.

Yamal made his senior debut for Spain in September 2023 and has since established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football. His performances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team have further strengthened his reputation as a generational talent.

His decision to represent Spain remains a significant talking point among Moroccan football followers, particularly because of his family connections to the North African country. Nevertheless, Hadji insists that the winger’s international allegiance has not affected the admiration he receives from Moroccan supporters.

The former Morocco star was candid about the difference Yamal could have made had he chosen the Atlas Lions, while stressing that the country has moved forward and continues to celebrate the youngster’s achievements.

“It is true that Yamal’s presence with the Moroccan national team would have made a big difference, but thank God anyway, and today 40 million Moroccans are cheering him on with Spain,” Hadji concluded.

Hadji’s comments reflect a sense of pride in Yamal’s Moroccan roots, even though the youngster has chosen to build his international career with Spain.

For Morocco, the focus remains on developing its own pool of talented players and maintaining its growing status in international football. The Atlas Lions have continued to invest in young talent, while Yamal’s emergence serves as another reminder of the quality of players with Moroccan heritage making an impact at the highest level.

Despite missing out on Yamal’s international services, Hadji’s message is clear: the Barcelona star continues to enjoy widespread support among Moroccans, who remain proud of his achievements regardless of the national team he represents.