Lamine Yamal talks included Morocco first-team promise, says Regragui

Former Morocco manager Walid Regragui says the country’s football federation made Lamine Yamal’s international future a priority from the time the Barcelona forward was 14, including discussions with his family about a potential senior role and the prospect of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Regragui said Morocco explored every possible avenue to persuade Yamal to represent the Atlas Lions, although the player ultimately chose Spain.

Speaking on the Maghreb podcast on the Athir platform, Regragui said: “The Yamal file was a priority, in coordination with Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the football federation, because he was considered the future Lionel Messi.”

Morocco hosted Yamal’s parents and grandmother in the country and held several meetings with them, according to Regragui. The former coach said the discussions included assurances that Yamal could be given a starting position in the senior national team, as well as the opportunity to achieve major honours and compete for the Ballon d’Or.

Despite those efforts, Yamal decided to represent Spain. He has since become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

Regragui also discussed his early conversations with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, commonly known as Abde, who was then beginning his career in Barcelona.

The former Morocco manager said he travelled to Barcelona specifically to meet the player and try to convince him to choose Morocco. Although Ezzalzouli showed affection for the country, Regragui said the player initially told him he had decided to play for Spain.

“Despite the player showing his love for Morocco, he told me at that time about his decision to play for Spain, before things later changed and he chose to represent the Moroccan national team,” Regragui said.

Ezzalzouli eventually switched his international allegiance to Morocco and has represented the Atlas Lions.

Players motivated by pride, says Regragui

Regragui also rejected the suggestion that Morocco’s players compete for the national team because of financial incentives.

He said the squad’s motivation came from passion and patriotism, with the players fully aware of the importance and responsibility attached to representing Morocco in continental and international competitions.

According to Regragui, the players’ primary ambition was to win African and world titles and bring happiness to Moroccan supporters. He said they valued those achievements far more highly than any bonuses or financial payments they might receive.

“All the players earn good money with their professional clubs,” Regragui said, adding that nobody had asked for or demanded payment for representing Morocco since he took charge.

He also emphasised the strong mutual trust between the coaching staff, the players and the Moroccan football federation.

Regragui’s comments provide further insight into Morocco’s attempts to attract players eligible to represent the country, as well as the changing international decision that eventually led Ezzalzouli to choose Morocco while Yamal committed his future to Spain.

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