Lamine Yamal (foto: Getty Images)
Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa commented on Lamine Yamal's decision to represent Spain, insisting Morocco respects the young star's choice.
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Spain have already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, but comments from Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa have ensured that a potential future meeting between Spain and Morocco is already attracting attention.
Speaking about Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Lekjaa made a remark that quickly spread across Spanish media and social networks.
"Lamine Yamal? I don't know any Spaniard named Yamal," he said.
The statement referred to the Barcelona winger's Moroccan roots. Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, is Moroccan, while his mother, Sheila Ebana, is from Equatorial Guinea.
Although eligible to represent Morocco, Yamal chose Spain after being born in Barcelona, progressing through the club's famous academy and representing Spain at every youth international level before making his senior debut.
Lekjaa stressed that Morocco fully respects the player's decision.
"We respect Yamal's choice and have never questioned it. Our attitude towards him and his family has not changed because of that. As far as I know, they regularly spend holidays in Morocco, especially in the northern part of the country. They will always be welcome."
The Moroccan federation president also pointed out that many people misunderstand the player's name.
Strictly speaking, Yamal is not one of the footballer's surnames. His full surnames are Nasraoui and Ebana, inherited from his father and mother respectively, while "Lamine Yamal" forms part of his given name.
Spanish media have previously reported that Morocco made significant efforts to convince the highly rated winger to represent the Atlas Lions before he committed his international future to Spain.
According to Lekjaa, however, Morocco holds no resentment towards players who choose another national team.
"There should never be frustration or pride when a player chooses a national team. Football is universal. If someone who has the right to choose decides to represent another country, that does not change our connection with their homeland."
He concluded with a conciliatory message aimed at Spain.
"We are proud of our history and our civilisation, but we are equally proud when Moroccans contribute to the success of a friendly and neighbouring country like Spain."
While Spain must first overcome Belgium and Morocco faces France in the quarter-finals, the possibility of a semi-final meeting has already added another layer of intrigue to one of the World Cup's biggest stories.