Lamine Yamal Dreams of Representing Morocco on the International Stage!

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, Lamine Yamal’s achievements could nearly be complete before he turns 19. After claiming national titles with FC Barcelona and winning Euro 2024 with Spain, his legacy would soar if Barcelona wins the Champions League and Spain secures the 2026 World Cup. In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Spanish prodigy candidly discussed his rapid rise in the national team and his choice of international career.

Despite the immense pressure of a major tournament at just 16 years old, Yamal shared that he approached Euro 2024 with surprising ease: “During the Euro, I never thought about being 16. I told myself: ‘You’re playing in a tournament that you’re going to enjoy a lot because it’s your dream, so just enjoy it and don’t think about anything else.’” The 18-year-old forward then addressed a sensitive topic: his decision to represent Spain, even though Morocco, his father’s homeland, was an option.

Morocco: A Dream Set Aside for European Heights

Lamine Yamal revealed he contemplated this choice deeply, especially after Morocco’s historic run in the 2022 World Cup. “I feel a bit strange because, deep down, I always dreamed of playing for Morocco. At that moment, they reached the semifinals of the World Cup…” Despite his strong feelings, the young talent insisted his final decision was clear. He explained that his choice was driven purely by sporting reasons related to his career development: “At the decisive moment, I never doubted. With all my love and respect for Morocco, I’ve always wanted to play in the Euro and in Europe. I believe European football is more followed and aligns closely with top international levels.”

The Barcelona forward concluded his remarks with heartfelt words about Morocco, stating it feels like his country just as much as Spain. “Thanks to God, I made it (to play for La Roja)! This also brings me closer to the World Cup and my chance to win it… I will always have love for Morocco because it’s also my country. It wouldn’t have been strange or wrong to play for them. But I grew up in Spain, and I also consider it my country.” This candid and measured stance comes as he could potentially meet the Moroccan national team during the knockout stages of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.