Lamine Yamal is set to make his first appearance in Morocco as part of FC Barcelona’s scheduled summer tour in 2025, marking a symbolic return to the country of his paternal roots—albeit in a strictly club-related context.
The Spanish champions have officially confirmed that Morocco will be one of the stops on their pre-season itinerary, a move aimed at strengthening ties with their extensive North African fanbase. Among the travelling squad will be Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation who has rapidly become one of the brightest prospects in European football.
The announcement has sparked excitement among Moroccan supporters, many of whom have followed Yamal’s meteoric rise with a mix of admiration and wistful curiosity.
Despite having chosen to represent Spain at international level, his Moroccan heritage has kept him in the hearts of many in the country.
This visit will see Yamal feature in a friendly match in Morocco, representing FC Barcelona, not the Moroccan national team—a distinction that has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of local fans.
The fixture, which will be part of the club’s summer preparations for the 2025–26 campaign, will mark Yamal’s first professional outing on Moroccan soil.
For many in Morocco, the occasion will carry a deeper emotional resonance. Yamal’s father is of Moroccan origin, and his early potential led to intense speculation about a possible future with the Atlas Lions. Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui previously confirmed that efforts had been made to secure Yamal’s allegiance.
“We did everything to get him,” Regragui admitted, speaking candidly about the failed bid to persuade the Barcelona star. His remarks, tinged with resignation, reflected the broader national disappointment at losing a player of Yamal’s calibre to Spain.
Despite that missed opportunity, the anticipation surrounding Yamal’s return to his father’s homeland remains high. His inclusion in the squad heading to Morocco is not just a nod to his talent, but also a recognition of the growing importance of the region to Barcelona’s global outreach strategy.
The Catalan club enjoys immense popularity in Morocco, where generations of fans have followed Barça through decades of success.
The decision to include Morocco in the summer tour is widely seen as an effort to reinforce those bonds. For Yamal, it offers a chance to connect with a fanbase that has long claimed him as one of their own.
The visit is expected to draw large crowds, not just for the match itself, but for the opportunity to witness one of football’s most promising talents up close.
Yamal’s presence is likely to be a focal point, symbolising both the global reach of FC Barcelona and the deep cultural connections that bind football across borders.
While the match will not alter his national team allegiance, Yamal’s time in Morocco is sure to leave a lasting impression—on both the player and the supporters who once dreamed of seeing him don the red and green of the Atlas Lions.
