Lamine Yamal: the behind-the-scenes of his refusal of Morocco revealed

It was long believed that Morocco had lost the battle in the final stretch. In reality, the war was over before it even began. According to Rabie Takassa, an official within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the prodigy from FC Barcelona had been on the Moroccan radar since his first steps at La Masia. Regular contacts had been established with his family, but the weight of the Spanish training proved too heavy. Integrated into all the youth categories of the "Roja", Yamal was following a path traced to the millimeter by the Spanish federation.

However, Morocco made a poker move. In August 2023, as the player began to shine in the first team, coach Walid Regragui made the trip personally to Barcelona. The objective: to meet the player and his entourage to present them with the project of the Atlas Lions. A direct and ambitious approach that, unfortunately, collided with the reality on the ground. Lamine Yamal confirmed his desire to continue his ascent with Spain, seduced by a clear projection towards the Euro and major international competitions.

For the FRMF, this decision should not be seen as a rejection of Morocco or its roots, but as a "rational sporting choice". The player’s daily environment, his club and his teammates were all focused on the Spanish national team, giving the Iberian federation an unbeatable lead, despite Morocco’s efforts to attract this generational talent.