Yamal reveals why he chose Spain: 'I was thinking about playing with Morocco, but...'
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 02.12.25. | 13:10
The Barcelona's gem said he was close to pledging allegiance to the African country, but one thing made him opt for La Furia Roja
Although born and raised in Spain, Lamine Yamal's origins are entirely African, as his father is Moroccan and his mother is from Equatorial Guinea.
The youngster had the option to represent any of the three countries at the international level, but eventually opted for La Furia Roja. After all, he spent his youth days at La Masia, moved through Spain's youth categories, and demonstrated immense talent, which helped him debut for the senior team at just 16 years old.
However, in an interview with 60 Minutes Overtime, Yamal for the first time spoke about his choice, revealing that he was close to choosing Morocco over Spain during the Atlas Lions' magnificent 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign when they became the first African national team to reach the WC semi-finals.
"At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals, and deep down I was thinking about playing with Morocco. But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the Euro and in Europe."
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Lamine Yamal on choosing to represent Spain over Morocco:
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 1, 2025
"Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals..."
"But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for… pic.twitter.com/nS4LTLc7ky
"I believe European football is watched more, and I think it's closer to the international high level. And praise be to God, I did that. It also makes me close to the World Cup with chances to win it," the 18-year-old said honestly via MoroccoBeat.
The Atlas Lions boss, Walid Regragui, had once disclosed that Morocco were also keen on the youngster and tried to persuade him to join them, but he candidly told them his heart belonged to Spain.
If anything, he was open from the beginning and didn't toy with the Moroccans' expectations.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 19
Tuesday
23.00: (1.80) Barcelona (4.30) Atletico Madrid (4.15)
Wednesday
21.00: (4.70) Athletic Bilbao (3.70) Real Madrid (1.85)
***odds are subject to change***
*The games have been brought forward due to their overlap with Supercopa de Espana*
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