La Roja kicked off Euro 2024 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. Lamine Yamal, the young winger from Barça, shone brightly while paying homage to his Moroccan heritage.
The 16-year-old prodigy wore special boots adorned with the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea. Born in Spain to Moroccan and Equato-Guinean parents, Lamine Yamal is a rising star in world football. Despite choosing to represent Spain over Morocco, a decision that disappointed many fans, he remains proud of his African roots, which is commendable.
On the pitch, the Blaugrana once again displayed his full talent, notably providing an assist (3-0) for Dani Carvajal towards the end of the first half. Becoming the youngest player in Euro history at 16 years and 339 days, he also became the youngest assist provider in the competition, surpassing Poland’s midfielder Kacper Kozlowski, who played in Euro 2021 at 17 years and 246 days.
In a recent interview with GQ, Yamal discussed his decision to play for La Roja, where he has already earned 8 caps and scored 2 goals: “I never had any doubt. I always knew that I wanted to play in a European Championship and a World Cup with the Spanish team.” So, no regrets for the Lions of the Atlas supporters.
Les godasses de Lamine Yamal lors du match d’aujourd’hui. pic.twitter.com/CplAOSS05e
— KoraMaroc (@AtKoraMaroc) June 15, 2024
And to think that the 2026 World Cup will be held both in Spain and Morocco… Barring injury or setback, Lamine Yamal should continue his progression and have the opportunity to participate, which will undoubtedly be a source of pride for his entire family. But before dreaming of playing in a World Cup in two of his three ancestral lands, the focus is on the Euro, with an exciting clash against Italy scheduled for Thursday at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
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