World Cup 2026: I don’t know any spaniard named Yamal – FRMF boss Fouzi Lekjaa revives Lamine Yamal debate

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reignited discussions over Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal’s international allegiance after questioning the forward’s connection to Spain in a new documentary.

The comments were featured in Inside: The Rise of Moroccan Football, a production by French magazine Onze Mondial that chronicles Morocco’s football transformation from their historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to preparations for future international competitions.

In the documentary, Lekjaa, alongside Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, discusses the FRMF’s strategy of attracting dual-national players with Moroccan heritage. The federation chief described such players as “fully Moroccan” and explained the efforts made to convince eligible talents to represent the Atlas Lions.

Yamal, whose father is Moroccan, was one of the major players targeted by Morocco before he committed his international future to Spain. The Barcelona academy graduate, who was born in Esplugues de Llobregat in Catalonia, eventually chose to play for Spain.

Speaking about the teenager’s decision, Lekjaa made a light-hearted remark about the origin of Yamal’s surname.

“Lamine Yamal? I don’t know any Spaniard named Yamal,” he said, referencing the Arabic roots of the player’s family name.

Lekjaa revealed that the FRMF held several meetings with Yamal and his family in both Spain and Morocco in an attempt to persuade him to join the Atlas Lions.

However, he stressed that Morocco respected the player’s choice and never attempted to prevent him from representing Spain. According to Lekjaa, the federation’s relationship with Yamal and his family remains unchanged.

The FRMF president also highlighted the player’s continued connection to Morocco, noting that Yamal’s family regularly visits relatives in the northern part of the country.

“Morocco is his homeland, and they will always be welcome,” Lekjaa said.

He added that Morocco takes pride in its heritage and in the contribution of Moroccans around the world, including those who help strengthen relations with neighbouring countries.

“Our history and our civilisation fill us with pride. We are even more honoured when the Moroccan nation contributes to the success of a friendly and neighbouring country like Spain,” Lekjaa concluded.