Casablanca – Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has expressed regret over Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain, although he acknowledged that the Barcelona forward’s choice has brought him considerable success.
Speaking on French broadcaster CANAL+ during coverage of Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Regragui revisited Morocco’s attempts to recruit the player.
“We did everything we could to convince Lamine Yamal, but he chose to represent Spain,” he said.
Regragui said he respected the clarity with which Yamal communicated his decision, despite wishing the teenager had joined the Atlas Lions.
“That choice seems to have worked out for him because he won the European Championship and the World Cup. It’s a shame he didn’t choose Morocco, but the most important thing is that he was clear and honest about his decision,” he said.
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Yamal, who was eligible to represent Morocco through his father, opted for Spain in 2023 and made his senior debut at 16. He subsequently helped Spain win Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco’s interest in the winger was no secret. In an April 2025 interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Regragui recounted meeting Yamal and his grandfather to explain the national team’s plans and ambitions.
The coach said Yamal called him days later to explain that he wanted to represent Spain. Regragui described the conversation as straightforward and said he appreciated the youngster’s honesty.
Yamal has also addressed the decision publicly. In a 2025 interview with CBS, he explained that growing up in Spain and progressing through its youth teams had shaped his ambitions. He also emphasized his affection for Morocco.
Morocco, meanwhile, reached the World Cup semifinals in 2022, a historic achievement that helped raise the national team’s international profile.
Regragui’s latest comments reflect a familiar sentiment: disappointment at missing out on a talented player, but respect for a decision Yamal made early and has consistently stood by.
