Recent comments by former Spanish Football Federation sporting director Albert Luque have reignited the debate over Lamine Yamal’s national team choice. Nearly two years ago, Yamal, eligible to represent both Morocco and Spain, was at the center of a fierce rivalry between the two federations. However, according to Luque’s revelations during a broadcast of El Larguero on Cadena Ser, the matter was decided long before the public debate.
Yamal reportedly expressed his clear preference early on, telling Luque, “Don’t worry, I’m under pressure from everywhere, but I want to play for Spain.” Despite the media storm surrounding the 15-year-old at the time, both Moroccan and Spanish sources believed Yamal had yet to make a final decision. Some claimed that Morocco’s football president, Fouzi Lekjaa, met with Yamal and his family to persuade him to choose Morocco.
However, the Barcelona forward had his sights set on becoming a European champion, a dream he achieved with Spain in 2024, breaking records and earning the title of the tournament’s best player. While Yamal’s choice has since been celebrated in Spain, it wasn’t without controversy in his family. Luque shared that Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, initially struggled to accept his son’s decision, even fearing backlash from Morocco. Over time, however, Nasraoui has embraced his son’s choice and proudly supports him on social media, as does Yamal’s paternal grandmother, who regularly attends his matches.
Despite this, the decision still stings for many Moroccan fans who continue to feel disappointed by Yamal’s choice, especially given his stellar performances for both Barcelona and Spain.
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