Although he could have represented Morocco, his father's home country, Yamal ultimately chose to play for Spain. The decision sparked widespread discussion, and Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, addressed the matter in an interview with Onze Mondial.

The 18-year-old is one of the key figures in the Spanish squad, and Spain are considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the champions of Euro 2024, Spain have already advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Portugal 1-0.

However, this talented player, born in the suburbs of Barcelona and developed at every level of Spain’s youth academies, could have chosen to play for Morocco, the homeland of his father, Mounir Nasraoui. The Barcelona forward had at one point considered representing the senior national team, briefly leaning toward choosing the Atlas Lions, especially after they reached the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 0-2 to France.

On the other hand, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation had actively tried to recruit the budding star. Multiple meetings were arranged between the two parties in Morocco and Spain, but they ultimately failed to change the player's decision. In 2023, Yamal finally chose to represent Spain internationally.

“They are always welcome”

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, spoke about the matter again during a lengthy interview with Onze Mondial. He said: "We respect Yamal's choice and have never questioned it. We have also never changed our attitude towards Lamine Yamal and his family because of it. As far as I know, they often return for holidays, especially to the northern provinces, which are their hometown. They are always welcome."

He then added, with a hint of irony, "Lamine Yamal. I don't know any Spaniard named Yamal." It should be noted that the full name of the Spanish rising star is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, and he prints only his two first names on his jersey: Lamine and Yamal. These names come from two people who helped his family during a difficult time when his mother was pregnant. In gratitude, his parents gave him those two names, followed by their respective surnames.

Lekjaa continued: "Regarding players' choices, we have never put regret or pride on the table. For us, football is universal. Representing a team with administrative nationality is just a choice and does not change the connection with that country." He also said: "Our history and civilization make us proud, and they make us even prouder when the Moroccan national team helps friendly, neighboring teams like Spain grow."

Before the FIFA World Cup began, Lekjaa also said half-jokingly in an interview with Aljazeera360: "I now hope we can meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup final to see if he really made the right choice." If the Atlas Lions eliminate France and Spain overcome the Red Devils, the two teams could meet in the semifinals on July 14.

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