Lamine Yamal Spain choice grandmother defends Moroccan debate

The choice of Lamine Yamal continues to spark debate between Spain and Morocco. While the Barcelona player chose early on to wear the Roja jersey, comments from his paternal grandmother, made in 2024, are being cited again in Spain.

On Bladi.net : Controversy Erupts as Lamine Yamal’s Nationality Claim Sparks Backlash in Morocco

In an interview with Antena 3’s Espejo Público program, the player’s grandmother clearly defended her grandson’s decision. For her, the debate does not present itself in the same terms as in Morocco.

"This child is not from Morocco. He was born here and was educated here," she had stated. She also rejected the idea of family pressure, assuring that her son Mounir Nasraoui, Lamine Yamal’s father, had not forced him into anything.

A choice assumed early on

Lamine Yamal played for Spanish youth selections before becoming an international A player. His choice became definitive in 2023, when he played his first official matches with Spain.

The player himself had explained that he had always played with Spain since the youth categories and wanted to win the Euro, the World Cup and everything else possible with the Roja.

The subject remains sensitive in Morocco, where his profile had raised great hopes. Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatoguinean mother, Lamine Yamal could have represented several national teams.

On Bladi.net : Morocco’s Football Chief Laments Lamine Yamal’s Spain Choice, Affirms Player’s Moroccan Roots

Fouzi Lekjaa recently reignited the debate by recalling that Morocco respected his choice, while emphasizing his family ties with the Kingdom. The FRMF president also made a remark about his first name, saying he did not know any Spanish person bearing this name.

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