Lamine Yamal, the rising star of FC Barcelona, recently revealed the factors behind his decision to represent Spain at the international level rather than his country of origin, Morocco.
The young talent disclosed that disagreements with Moroccan football officials played a significant role in his choice.
Reports indicate that Yamal and his representatives initially expressed interest in joining the Moroccan national team despite his youth.
However, the Moroccan Football Federation reportedly suggested that he start in a substitute role, asking him to be patient.
This proposal was not well received by Yamal, who felt ready to make an immediate impact on the field.
“I was ready to play for Morocco, but I was disappointed when I was asked to wait before officially joining the national team,” Yamal explained.
“My agent opposed the idea of me staying on the bench because I knew I had a lot to offer.”
In contrast, the Spanish Football Federation presented Yamal with an appealing offer, guaranteeing him an active role in the national team.
The opportunity to participate immediately in competitive fixtures was a decisive factor for the young player.
“When things didn’t go as planned with Morocco, the Spanish federation stepped in with a concrete proposal: if I chose Spain, I would immediately participate in a continental tournament,” Yamal stated.
“I took that chance, and then I won the Euro with the Spanish team.”
The decision has proven fruitful for Yamal, who made history by becoming a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning campaign.
His achievements have further cemented his reputation as one of football’s brightest prospects, and he remains confident in the choice he made.
Yamal’s revelations highlight the challenges dual-nationality players often face when deciding which country to represent.
Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, Yamal had strong ties to both nations, making his choice particularly poignant.
Now firmly established in the Spanish setup, the young forward is focused on his international career with La Roja.
His rise continues to captivate fans, as he builds on an already impressive résumé that includes continental glory and a burgeoning career at FC Barcelona.
