Barcelona Prodigy Sparks National Identity Debate

In an interview with Rue 20, the Al-Hilal goalkeeper stated that the young Barcelona player is Moroccan, even though he has chosen to join La Roja. "In Morocco, we consider Lamine Yamal as one of our own," he affirmed. These statements have not failed to provoke reactions, as the Barcelona number 10 has lived his entire life in Spain.

Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugas de Llobregat (Barcelona) to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Lamine Yamal had the possibility to represent three countries. The prodigy made his debut at La Masia, Barcelona’s academy, and played in the Spanish youth categories. He even confided to Walid Regragui, the national coach of Morocco, that he had always dreamed of playing for Spain, justifying his choice to join the Spanish national team, to the detriment of Morocco, which had unsuccessfully tried to convince him to join the Atlas Lions’ den.

But Yassine Bounou insists that for Moroccans, Yamal is "one of their own" and assures that in Morocco, they follow the daily life of the 18-year-old player, even though he has never lived in the kingdom, the country of origin of his father. "From the very first day, Lamine has shown great commitment and a special bond with the group. He feels like a member of the family, and that is fundamental," said the 34-year-old goalkeeper.

Furthermore, the former Sevilla FC goalkeeper addressed the numerous scandals to which Yamal has been linked in recent months, inviting everyone to be lenient with the young player. "We must give him the time and space he needs to grow. He is an exceptional talent, but it is also important that he feels comfortable and supported by all of us," he concluded. This statement does not change the reality. Yamal is a Spanish international.