Fouzi Lekjaa comments on Lamine Yamal’s choice and takes a jab at Spain
Lamine Yamal’s decision to wear Spain’s colors instead of Morocco’s continues to spark reactions. Years after the young FC Barcelona talent made his choice, the topic still comes up, especially in Morocco where some fans wish they could see the prodigy defend the Lions of the Atlas.
This time, it’s Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, who weighed in on the matter. In an interview with Onze Mondial, the Moroccan leader discussed the young Spanish winger with a mix of respect and irony, while reminding everyone that Morocco accepted his choice without stirring up controversy.
“We respected Jamel’s choice, we never contested it. We never changed our behavior towards Jamel or his family,” said Fouzi Lekjaa, referring to Lamine Yamal. This was his way of emphasizing that the Moroccan Federation never closed the door on the player or his entourage despite his final decision.
Lamine Yamal, born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, had several options for his international career. Considered one of the biggest hopes in world football, he ultimately chose to represent La Roja, where he quickly established himself as a key player.
Since his debut with the Spanish national team, the young forward has delivered standout performances. His talent, creativity, and maturity at such a young age have made him one of the symbols of the new Spanish generation.
But Lamine Yamal’s decision remains a hot topic in Morocco, where his journey is closely watched. For some Moroccan fans, seeing a player from the diaspora choose another national team feels like a missed opportunity, even though the Federation claims to fully respect the player’s freedom.
During his remarks, Fouzi Lekjaa added a line that quickly caught attention. With a hint of humor, but also an underlying message about the player’s origins, he said:
“I don’t know any Spaniard named Jamel.” 🤫🇲🇦
Lamine Yamal’s choice to play for La Roja instead of Morocco has generated a lot of ink. In our new documentary, Fouzi Lekjaa breaks the silence and shares his unfiltered truths about the gem… pic.twitter.com/dooRBBErCx
— Onze Mondial (@OnzeMondial) July 6, 2026
“But I don’t know any Spaniard named Jamel.”
This statement is likely to provoke many reactions, especially in Spain, where Lamine Yamal is now seen as an important figure in the national team. The Moroccan president’s words also highlight the broader issue of identity for players from immigrant backgrounds and the international choices that accompany their careers.
Despite this remark, Fouzi Lekjaa made it clear that Morocco never questioned the player’s decision. The Moroccan Federation continues to closely monitor the performances of many talents from the diaspora while respecting their sporting choices.
On the pitch, Lamine Yamal continues his journey with Spain. After contributing to La Roja’s campaign in this World Cup, the young player and his teammates are now preparing to face the winner of the clash between Belgium and the United States in the quarter-finals, aiming to continue their quest for the title.
