In a revelation that has sent ripples through the international football community, young sensation Lamine Yamal has disclosed that he seriously considered representing Morocco on the global stage. The FC Barcelona prodigy, who is poised to potentially feature in an Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco in just three weeks, shared his internal deliberations during a candid interview with American media outlet CBS.
“The idea of playing for Morocco was definitely on my mind,” Yamal admitted during the “60 Minutes” program. “In the back of my mind, I considered playing for Morocco. They had just reached the semi-finals of the World Cup,” he explained, referencing the Atlas Lions’ historic run in the 2022 tournament.
A Choice Made, But Not Without Thought
Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal ultimately pledged his international allegiance to Spain, making his senior debut for La Roja on September 8, 2023, at the tender age of 16. Despite the significant attention his decision garnered,especially in Morocco,Yamal stated,”Honestly,it was a strange choice,but I didn’t hesitate.” He wasted no time in making his mark, scoring his first goal for Spain in Euro 2024.
Yamal elaborated on the factors influencing his decision,emphasizing the allure of European competition. “With all the respect and affection I have for Morocco, I have always dreamed of playing in a European Championship, of playing here, in Europe,” he stated. “European football offers greater visibility and is closer to the international level.” The young star underscored the sporting ambition behind his choice: “I wanted to win the Euro, which I did (in 2024), thank God, and now I want to play a World Cup with a possibility of winning it.”
Deep Roots and Future Aspirations
While the choice to represent Spain was a significant talking point, Yamal was keen to express his enduring connection to Morocco. “I will always have affection for Morocco. This is also my country. Playing for them would not have been strange or wrong,” he affirmed. He further articulated his dual identity: “I grew up in Spain, and I also consider this country to be mine.”
The interview, conducted by Jon Wertheim and heavily promoted by the American network, also touched upon Yamal’s burgeoning celebrity status. He openly admitted to “loving being a star.” Furthermore, the rising talent identified his stunning goal against France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals as the standout moment of his young career thus far.
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