At just 15 years old, Lamine Yamal made history by debuting for Barcelona‘s first team in April 2023, becoming the club’s youngest-ever La Liga player. Things have gone swimmingly for the Kopa Trophy winner over the next three years.
Since that remarkable milestone, Yamal has shattered numerous age-related records for both club and country, quickly earning recognition as a generational talent.
His early achievements include winning individual accolades such as the Kopa Trophy, cementing his status as one of football’s brightest young stars.
Eligible to represent both Spain and Morocco at the senior level, Yamal faced a significant decision about his international future.
Growing up in Spain, he felt a strong connection to the country that had nurtured his development as a footballer. That looked like a smart decision as Spain won Euro 2024.
At the same time, Morocco‘s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals made the option appealing.
Ultimately, Yamal‘s choice was guided by his ambition to compete in the European Championship and other major European tournaments, which he believed offered higher global visibility.
Hadji questions Yamal decision
Despite these impressive achievements, former Morocco international Mustapha Hadji, who played in the Premier League for Coventry City and Aston Villa between 1999 and 2004, believes Yamal made the wrong decision.
Speaking to Al Arabiya Sports, Hadji expressed disappointment over the choice. “Although he plays with Spain, the affection that the Spanish will have him will never be the same as that of the Moroccans,” Hadji said.
“So it’s a shame that I didn’t choose Morocco, because if I had, it would have been different.
“It’s sad because, as I read recently in a Spanish newspaper, some journalists said, ‘We have Pedri, we want Pedri, we love Yamal, but we don’t want him as much as Pedri. So that means he was wrong.
“I wish I had played with Morocco. He will always remain Moroccan, even if he plays for Spain.'”
The Spanish Football Federation also guaranteed him a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
Morocco‘s head coach, Walid Regragui, confirmed that Yamal was candid about his decision, expressing that he felt Spanish while maintaining deep respect for his Moroccan heritage.
Making his senior debut for Spain in September 2023, Yamal became the nation’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer at just 16 years old.
He played a pivotal role in Spain‘s Euro 2024 triumph, becoming the youngest player to appear in and win the final, and earning the tournament’s Young Player Award.
Country of nationality or nurturing?
The comments by Hadji highlight a broader debate about dual-nationality footballers and the pressures they face in choosing between competing international programs.
While Yamal‘s decision has already brought him record-breaking success with Spain, the emotional and cultural connections to Morocco remain significant in the eyes of some former players and fans.
For Lamine Yamal, the path forward is filled with opportunities to continue building his legacy at both Barcelona and with Spain.
Yet, Hadji‘s critique serves as a reminder of the weight of national identity in international football, particularly for young talents navigating competing allegiances.
The discussion surrounding Yamal‘s choice is likely to persist as his career develops, reflecting both the promise of his skill and the complex dynamics of modern football.
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