The coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, dealt a heavy blow to Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, by calling up a player of Moroccan origin to participate in Euro 2024. That player is Lamine Yamal, who had previously refused to play for his country of origin, Morocco.
This decision is particularly significant because Lamine Yamal is considered one of the biggest football prospects, currently playing for FC Barcelona. By choosing to represent Spain in an official competition, Yamal definitively seals his international future with La Roja. According to FIFA regulations, once a player has played an official match for a national team, they cannot switch allegiances. Thus, Fouzi Lekjaa’s dream of seeing Yamal wear the Lions of the Atlas jersey dissipates.
For Spain, this selection represents a valuable acquisition. Lamine Yamal has already showcased his exceptional talent with FC Barcelona, attracting the attention of major clubs and football experts worldwide. His versatility and creativity on the field make him a major asset for the Spanish team heading into Euro 2024.
On the Moroccan side, this decision is perceived as a regrettable loss. Fouzi Lekjaa and his team had invested a lot of effort in trying to convince Yamal to join the Moroccan ranks, hoping that his presence would strengthen the national team. However, Yamal’s preference for Spain highlights the challenges African federations face in attracting and retaining dual-national talents.
Spain’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Nacho (Real Madrid), Dani Vivian (Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), and Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Pedri (FC Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atlético de Madrid), Aleix Garcia (Girona), and Fermin Lopez (FC Barcelona)
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Atlético de Madrid), Nico Williams (Bilbao), Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Joselu (Real Madrid), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), and Ayoze Pérez (Real Betis Balompié)
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