Albert Luque disclosed that Lamine Yamal’s father feared for his safety in Morocco after Lamine decided to represent Spain. Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Lamine has achieved remarkable records in football at a young age. The pressure of choosing national representation is evident, evidenced by contrasting decisions in his peers’ experiences.
Albert Luque, a former director of football for the Spanish national team, revealed on the Cadena SER program “El Larguero” that Lamine Yamal’s father expressed concerns for his safety in Morocco after Lamine chose to play for Spain. Lamine, born in Mataro in 2007 to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy at a young age and made his first team debut at just 15.
As an exceptional talent, Lamine has shattered multiple records, becoming the youngest goalscorer in La Liga and the youngest player to play for Spain. His decision to play for Spain over Morocco was particularly significant, given the increasing tension surrounding this choice among young athletes of Moroccan descent.
Luque explained that prior to Lamine’s debut, the Moroccan national team coach personally visited to persuade him to play for Morocco. However, Lamine made it clear: “I want to be European champion, they are pressuring me from all sides but I want to play with Spain.” Luque noted difficulties with Lamine’s father, who reportedly said, “in Morocco they were going to kill him.”
In order to secure Lamine’s allegiance to Spain, Luque indicated that it was necessary for the young player to participate in at least three matches for La Roja under FIFA regulations. Despite the outside pressure, Lamine ultimately achieved his dream of winning the European Championship with Spain last summer.
In a contrasting storyline, Brahim Diaz, another talented player of Moroccan descent, opted to play for Morocco after initially representing Spain. Luque speculated that not winning the European Championship might have affected Brahim, noting that a pre-list had been sent out, and he was on edge awaiting his call-up. Luque expressed regret, stating, “Maybe I have to say that I was wrong, time will tell.”
The situation surrounding Lamine Yamal exemplifies the intense pressures faced by dual-nationality athletes, particularly in terms of national representation. His father’s alarming remarks highlight the emotional complexities involved, while Lamine’s remarkable achievements at a young age serve as a testament to his resilience and determination. In contrast, Brahim Diaz’s experience emphasizes the divergent paths that talented players may take under similar circumstances.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
