(foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal revealed he once considered playing for Morocco before committing to Spain, saying he always dreamed of competing in the Euros and winning the World Cup with La Roja.
Lamine Yamal has opened up about one of the most important decisions of his young career — choosing to represent Spain over Morocco. The Barcelona wonderkid admitted in an interview with 60 Minutes that he once thought about playing for his father’s homeland before following the path that now defines his future.
Yamal’s confession instantly sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi, who two decades ago also had the option of representing Spain before choosing Argentina — a decision that forever changed football history. Messi, who grew up in Barcelona’s academy, was close to accepting Spain’s offer until then-Argentina coach José Pékerman convinced him otherwise.
Now, Spain nearly faced a similar situation with Yamal, who revealed how seriously he considered Morocco’s advances after their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run.
“Deep down, I thought about Morocco,” said Yamal. “At that time, they reached the World Cup semi-finals… But in the crucial moments, I never really doubted. I have a lot of affection and respect for Morocco, but I always wanted to play in the Euros and be part of European football.”
The young star added that his choice was also guided by ambition. “I believe that European football is more closely followed and of higher quality. I think that gives me a better chance of winning the World Cup one day. Morocco will always be in me — it’s my country too — but I grew up in Spain, and I feel that I belong here.”
Still only 18, Yamal has already made 23 appearances for Spain, scoring six goals. He became the youngest debutant in the nation’s history at just 16 and has since featured in two major finals — helping Spain defeat England to win the Euro 2024 title and reaching the Nations League final against Portugal earlier this year.
Alongside fellow Barcelona talent Pau Cubarsí, Yamal represents the next generation of Spanish football — one that Spain was determined not to lose, as it once did with Messi. For now, their golden boy is firmly at home in red and yellow.