Barcelona’s star Lamine Yamal has revealed several reasons why he decided to play for Spain instead of Morocco, one of which includes the possibility of winning the FIFA World Cup.

Lamine Yamal was born in Rocafonda to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, which means he was eligible to represent three countries.

Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup briefly made his choice more complicated, but the winger said the pull of European football and the ambition to play on the continent’s biggest stage ultimately guided him.

“Deep down, I was thinking about playing with Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals,” Yamal said as quoted by TouchlineX via 60 Minutes of CBS News.

“But in the moment of truth, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the EURO and in Europe.

“I believe European football is watched more, and I think it’s closer to the international high level.

“And praise be to God, I did that. It also makes me close to the World Cup with chances to win it… I will always carry love for Morocco, as it is my country too. And I grew up in Spain, and I also feel that it is my country.”

Yamal’s choice has already paid off, with the teenager establishing himself as one of Spain’s most exciting talents.

Although he has collected several memorable strikes since breaking into Barcelona’s first team under Xavi, Yamal said the one that stands out came during Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final. His long-range effort levelled the match before Dani Olmo sealed the victory.

“I have 3 or 4 favourite goals,” he said.

“But if I had to choose one goal, I think in terms of importance and beauty, it’s the goal I scored against France in the EURO.”

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise, finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele and securing back-to-back Kopa Trophies as the world’s best young player.

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