فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Recent revelations by Albert Luque, the former sports director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), have reignited the famous debate over Lamine Yamal’s choice of sporting nationality.
Nearly two years ago, the issue made headlines in both Morocco and Spain. Lamine Yamal, who was eligible to represent either country, found himself at the center of a fierce battle between the two federations. Or so it seemed. According to recent statements by Albert Luque on the program “El Larguero” on Cadena Ser, the matter was settled from the start.
Luque revealed that Yamal knew exactly which team he wanted to play for: “Don’t worry, everyone is putting pressure on me, but I want to play for Spain,” the young player reportedly told the Spanish official.
At the time, both Moroccan and Spanish media exerted immense pressure on the teenager, leading many to believe he had not yet made a decision. On the Moroccan side, reports indicated that Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), had met with Yamal and his family in an attempt to convince them to choose Morocco.
However, the Barcelona forward had a different dream in mind: to become a European champion. He achieved this dream with La Roja (Spain) in 2024, breaking several records as the youngest player and being named the tournament’s best player.
Nevertheless, his decision was not welcomed by everyone. According to Luque, Yamal’s father initially struggled to accept his son’s choice. Luque explained, “The father was more complicated than the mother. He told me they would kill him in Morocco. He was the one who had the hardest time accepting it. He told me things… better left unsaid.”
But things have changed now. Mounir Nasraoui, Yamal’s father, says he is very proud of his son. On social media, he consistently shows his support for his star son whenever he gets the chance. The same goes for Yamal’s paternal grandmother, who doesn’t hesitate to support her grandson in the stadiums whenever possible.
In Morocco, however, the “defeat” still hasn’t been digested by many Atlas Lions fans. Given Yamal’s high level of performance with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, there is much regret over losing such a talent.
