Rabat – Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has expressed regret over Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain instead of Morocco, revealing that the Atlas Lions had made every effort to convince the Barcelona winger to join the national team.
Speaking on French broadcaster Canal+ during coverage of Barcelona’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, October 20, Regragui reflected on Morocco’s unsuccessful attempt to recruit the player.
“We did everything we could to convince Lamine Yamal, but he chose to represent Spain,” Regragui said, according to El Botola.
The former Morocco coach acknowledged that the decision had worked in Yamal’s favor, particularly following his success with the Spanish national team.
“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 added.
Morocco’s efforts to convince Yamal
Yamal, 19, was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, making him eligible to represent Morocco before committing his international future to Spain in 2023.
In a previous interview with Spanish newspaper AS in April 2025, Regragui revealed that he had personally met with Yamal and his grandfather to discuss the possibility of representing Morocco.
The coach explained that the Barcelona youngster contacted him several days later to communicate his decision to play for Spain.
Yamal made his senior international debut against Georgia in September 2023 at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player to represent Spain.
Yamal’s success with Spain
The Barcelona winger has since established himself as an important figure in Spain’s national team.
He helped Spain win the UEFA European Championship in 2024, earning the tournament’s Best Young Player award following his performances in Germany.
Two years later, he was part of the Spanish squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
Yamal previously addressed his international decision during an interview with CBS in December 2025, explaining that he had considered representing Morocco but had always dreamed of competing in the European Championship.
He also expressed his affection for Morocco, describing it as a country that remains important to him despite his decision to represent Spain.
Regragui’s latest remarks reaffirm his disappointment at missing out on the Barcelona star while recognizing the player’s right to choose his international future.
