Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain instead of Morocco continues to spark debate in the North African country. For many Moroccans, the FC Barcelona wonderkid represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate their national team even higher — especially during its golden era after reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinals and conquering the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile, where they defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final.

A matter of identity or opportunity?

Born in Spain and raised at La Masia, Yamal has always felt part of the Spanish football culture. That emotional connection played a decisive role in his choice.
Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui explained in an interview with El Chiringuito how his direct conversation with the player went before he made his final decision:

“I spoke with Lamine Yamal, and he was very honest. Two or three days later, he called me and said: ‘Coach, thank you for the affection, but I’m going to choose Spain. I feel Spanish.’ He’s a very sincere kid.”

Regragui also clarified that Yamal never tried to play both sides regarding his nationality:

“He never lied. He didn’t say ‘I’m Moroccan’ or ‘I’m Spanish.’ He simply chose Spain. That’s football.”

Spain, a stronger platform to grow

From a sporting perspective, Spain’s national team offered Yamal a more established project — with world-class infrastructure, greater exposure, and consistent participation in major international tournaments.
At just 17 years old, Spain’s competitive environment guaranteed him continuity, development, and the chance to compete at the highest level from an early age.

Meanwhile, Morocco is enjoying a golden era of its own. Beyond its 2022 World Cup run, the country’s recent triumph at the U-20 World Cup confirmed its evolution into an emerging football powerhouse.
Still, Yamal’s decision seems to have been driven more by emotion than strategy: he chose the country where he was born and raised.

Mutual respect and recognition

Despite the disappointment caused by his decision, Regragui had nothing but praise for the Barça winger:

“Lamine Yamal is a generational talent. We tried to convince him, but he chose Spain. I wish him the best. What he’s doing at his age is extraordinary.”

The Moroccan coach also highlighted the youngster’s maturity in handling the situation with class and without controversy — a rare show of composure for someone so young.

Different paths, but success for both

For Morocco, losing Yamal was a missed opportunity — especially with the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. However, Morocco’s rise proves that its success doesn’t rely on a single player.

Meanwhile, Spain celebrates the maturity and rapid growth of its brightest prospect, a key figure for both Barcelona and the national team.

In the end, both sides win: Morocco cements its present with a historic generation, and Spain secures its future with a 18-year-old star already shaping football history.