Barcelona Prodigy Lamine Yamal’s Arab Roots Highlighted by Grandmother

"Lamine was born in Spain, unlike his father who was born and raised in Morocco, but he also retains his Arab identity and the choice to play for Spain is a personal decision that belongs to him," said Lamine Yamal’s grandmother in a statement to the press.

The septuagenarian currently on vacation in Larache, Morocco, will continue: "His identity is Arab, he speaks Arabic fluently and loves Morocco a lot. He always comes to visit me during the holidays and loves Moroccan cuisine. He often asks me to prepare dishes and desserts for him, even when he was at the Euro."

Fatima Nasraoui also expressed her pride in the career of the 17-year-old player who is racking up records of precocity. "Lamine is hardworking and has managed to impose himself thanks to his skills. He got there where he is by his own means and not through corruption or favoritism, because he has surpassed all the players his age and realized his childhood dream."

Lamine Yamal’s grandmother says she is still "praying" for her grandson, to whom she wishes good luck for the rest of his career, which is just beginning.