Morocco respected Lamine Yamal’s decision to choose Spain – Walid Regragui

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed the extent of the country’s efforts to convince Lamine Yamal to represent the Atlas Lions before the teenage star opted to play for Spain, saying the decision ultimately came down to where the player felt his heart belonged.

Regragui said Morocco had tracked Yamal’s progress from a young age and maintained regular contact with both the player and his family over an extended period.

“We followed him since he was 14. We met his family and spoke with him for over two years,” Regragui said.

The Morocco coach insisted there was no bitterness over the outcome, explaining that the Barcelona winger made his choice respectfully after careful consideration.

“When the time came to choose, he chose Spain. That’s the end of it. He chose the country his heart was drawn to.”

Yamal, who was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, was eligible to represent multiple countries internationally. His rapid rise through Barcelona’s academy made him one of the most sought-after dual-nationality prospects in world football.

Regragui has previously disclosed that Morocco’s football federation invested significant time in trying to secure the youngster’s international future, with meetings involving Yamal and his family taking place before Spain moved to fast-track his senior international debut.

According to the Morocco coach, Yamal personally informed him of his decision, thanking him for Morocco’s interest while making it clear he wanted to represent Spain.

Spain called up Yamal to the senior squad in September 2023, making him the country’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer at the age of 16 after he scored on his debut.

Since then, the winger has established himself as one of football’s brightest talents, becoming a key figure for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

While Morocco missed out on landing one of the game’s most gifted young players, Regragui’s latest comments suggest the Atlas Lions have accepted the outcome, emphasising respect for Yamal’s personal choice rather than dwelling on what might have been.