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Rabat – As the announcement of the Moroccan and Spanish national team squad lists draws near, Spanish media have intensified their efforts to sway the decision of young football star Lamine Yamal.
Recent reports from several Spanish news outlets, including Sport ES, have claimed that the Barcelona winger has chosen to represent the Spanish national team, sparking a media frenzy.
The intense media pressure surrounding the 16-year-old player’s decision is not an isolated incident in Spanish football. Over the years, Spanish media outlets have been known to exert significant influence on players of dual nationalities, urging them to represent Spain on the international stage.
Two notable cases that bear a resemblance to Yamal’s situation are those of Abde Ezzalzouli, who plays as a winger for FC Barcelona, and UD Las Palmas forward Munir El Haddadi.
The two Moroccan players faced considerable media scrutiny, as Spanish media outlets relentlessly urged them to commit to the Spanish national team and spread false rumors about them choosing Spain over Morocco.
Days after Ezzalzouli expressed his pride in being called to the Moroccan squad for the 2021 AFCON in December 2021, Spanish media falsely reported that the winger had given up on the Moroccan national team to represent Spain instead.
A month later, Spanish outlets reported that Spain’s then-head coach Luis Enrique was happy that Ezzalzouli had “chosen to play with Spain” and described it as “good news.”
Read also: Spain Pressures Abde Ezzalzouli Not to Represent Morocco
Meanwhile, El Haddadi, who made his international debut for Spain in 2014, eventually had a change of heart in 2021, for which he received immense criticism and pressure from the Spanish media.
Ultimately, both players chose to represent Morocco, but not before feeling the weight of media expectations and scrutiny.
In light of the media pressure on Yamal and the weight of this decision, Editor-In-Chief and co-founder of Morocco World News Samir Bennis stressed the importance of approaching such reports with discernment and not giving in to baseless rumors, as similar campaigns have unfolded before regarding the player’s choice.
مع اقتراب الاعلان عن لائحتي المنتخبين المغربي والاسباني، بدأت بعض الصحف الاسبانية مثل صحيفة سبورت في الرفع من وثيرة الضغط على اللاعب لامين جمال حيث ادعت قبل قليل ان هذا الاخير وافق على اللعب مع المنتخب الاسباني. اتمنى ان تتعامل الصحافة المغربية بتبصر وحكمة والا تعطي قيمة لهذه…
— Samir Bennis (@SamirBennis) August 28, 2023
“I hope that the player [Yamal] and his father withstand all the tremendous pressures they are facing, and that Morocco does not lose this rare talent,” added Bennis.
Born in Catalonia to Moroccan parents, Yamal’s talents have captured the attention of both nations, leading to a contest between the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Spanish Football Federation.
Yamal’s remarkable performance in recent years has undoubtedly contributed to the anticipation surrounding his choice. The winger has showcased extraordinary skills on the pitch, earning international recognition.
His speed, technique, and ability to read the game have made him a sought-after prospect, as both Morocco and Spain recognize the potential impact Yamal could have on their respective teams.
