Marrakech– Young football star Lamine Yamal spoke with CBS News’ 60 Minutes on his decision to play for the senior Spanish national team.
Yamal, who was born in Spain to an Equatorial Guinean mother and a Moroccan father, was eligible to represent one of the three countries. In his youth career, Yamal represented Spain at the U15, U16, and U17 levels.
Before he received his first senior international call-up from Luis de La Fuente in 2023 – making him the youngest player in Spain’s history – Yamal says he did think about playing for the Atlas Lions, but that ultimately, the decision to join La Roja was clear.
“The truth is that it was something strange because it was something on my mind: ’Hey, I could play with Morocco,’” Yamal said. “Morocco had just reached the semifinals of the World Cup, but in the moment, the truth is, I never had a doubt honestly.”
The 18-year-old sensation says he’d always wanted to play in the UEFA European Football Championship, citing European football as more popular and “closer to the international level,” – an important factor in his decision.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Euros. I think European football is watched more. I think that it’s closer to the international level,” Yamal explained. “And in the end, playing for Barça, I wanted to be close to being able to win the Euros.”
Yamal’s dreams of European glory eventually came true during Euro 2024, when he led Spain to the trophy in Germany. Yamal was named Young Player of the Tournament, and at 17 years and 1 day, the winger became the youngest player to win the tournament.
Despite not choosing to represent the Atlas Lions, Yamal says he’s still attached to Morocco, claiming it as his country.
“I will always have affection for Morocco. It’s my country too, and the truth is that there would have been nothing strange or bad about playing for them,” Yamal explained. “In the end, I did have that handicap that Spain was playing in the Euros. I grew up in Spain. I also feel it’s my country.”
Yamal will undoubtedly play a key role for Spain next summer as they aim to win their second World Cup in history. When asked if Spain will win the tournament, Yamal’s answer was a short “yes.”
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