Albert Luque, former sporting director of Spain’s national team, has revealed the intense battle behind securing Lamine Yamal’s commitment to La Roja over Morocco.
Speaking to El Larguero, Luque described the fierce competition, with Moroccan officials making direct efforts to sway the Barcelona starlet.
“The coach of Morocco spoke directly to Lamine, and even the Moroccan government tried to convince him,” Luque said.
Despite the pressure, Yamal had his sights set on Spain.
“When I spoke to him, he told me: ‘I want to be European champion. They press me everywhere, but I want to play for Spain.’ [That was before he made his debut].”
The situation with Yamal’s father was more complicated.
“He told me that in Morocco, they were going to kill him. He told me things I really can’t say here.”
Ultimately, Yamal’s mother played a key role in his decision.
With Spain, the 17-year-old wonderkid lived up to expectations, shining at Euro 2024 in Germany and helping his team lift the trophy while cementing himself as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
