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Rabat – Spanish journalist David Sánchez, known for his regular appearances on Radio Marca and El Chiringuito, has sparked debate over the future of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
In recent commentary, Sánchez criticized the way Spain treats young players with dual nationality, arguing that Morocco might provide a more supportive environment.
“I just hope the laws allow him to play for Morocco. You’re destroying him before he even starts! Spain is the only country where a national team star is subjected to criticism,” he remarked.
Sánchez later added, “It is better for everyone if Lamine Yamal goes to play with Morocco. It’s better for him, because he won’t be treated well in Spain.”
These comments come at a time when Yamal is facing unprecedented scrutiny. A recent report by the Spanish Observatory Against Racism and Xenophobia (Oberaxe), published by AS revealed that Yamal tops the list of players most targeted by racist abuse on social media in Spain.
According to the study, he receives 60% of all racist insults directed at footballers in the country, far ahead of other stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
The findings highlight the toxic environment surrounding young talents of immigrant descent in Spain.
For Yamal, who is of Moroccan heritage, the abuse has added pressure to his already demanding role as Spain’s youngest national team star.
Sánchez’s remarks reflect growing concern that such hostility could push players to consider representing Morocco, where they are often celebrated rather than criticized.
Morocco’s recent football successes, including its historic 2022 World Cup run, have strengthened its appeal to dual‑nationality players.
Sánchez’s comments underline the broader debate: whether Spain can protect and nurture its diverse talents, or risk losing them to nations that offer greater respect and support.
FIFA is taking a stand
The prevalence of online bullying and hate speech has become such a pressing issue that even football’s largest governing body is taking a stand. FIFA recently announced that it is stepping up efforts to combat online abuse, a move directly relevant to Yamal’s situation, flagging over 30,000 hateful posts in 2025, and 65,000 since 2022. The system removes harmful content and reports offenders.
These steps aim to protect players like Yamal, who Oberaxe reports suffers from the most racist insults in Spain.
FIFA President Gianni Infantio reflected on the situation. “Football must be a safe and inclusive space, both online and offline. FIFA takes concrete action to protect football’s actors from the harm caused by online verbal abuse,” the FIFA head said. “Violent behavior has no place in our sport, and FIFA will continue working with authorities to punish offenders,” he added.
