With the 2026 World Cup just months away, Lamine Yamal 's list of achievements could become nearly complete before he even turns 19. After winning everything domestically with FC Barcelona and Euro 2024 with La Roja, his accomplishment would become truly remarkable if FC Barcelona were to lift the Champions League trophy and if Spain were to win the 2026 World Cup. In an exclusive interview with CBS News , the Spanish prodigy spoke candidly about his meteoric rise with the national team and his choice of an international career.
Despite the immense pressure of a major tournament at just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal explains that he approached Euro 2024 with disarming simplicity: “During the Euros, I never thought about the fact that I was 16. I told myself: ‘You’re playing in a tournament that you’re going to enjoy immensely, because it’s your dream, so enjoy it and don’t think about anything else .’” The 18-year-old striker then addressed the most sensitive subject for him: the decision to play for Spain, when Morocco , his father’s country of origin, was beckoning.
Morocco, a dream dashed by the European elite
Lamine Yamal revealed that he had given this option a lot of thought, especially after the Atlas Lions' historic run at the 2022 World Cup. "I have a strange feeling, because deep down, I thought I would have loved to play for Morocco. At that time, Morocco had reached the World Cup semi-finals..." Despite this deep affection, the young talent affirmed that his final choice was never in doubt. He justified his decision with purely sporting criteria, related to his career development: "At the decisive moment, I never doubted. With all the love and respect I have for Morocco, I always wanted to play in the Euros and in Europe. I believe that European football has a wider following and is closer to the highest international level."
The Barcelona striker concluded his remarks with strong words for Morocco, emphasizing that it was indeed his country, just like Spain. "Thank God, I made it (playing for La Roja)! This also brings me closer to the World Cup and my chances of winning it… I will always have love for Morocco, because it is also my country. There would have been nothing strange or wrong with playing for them. But I grew up in Spain , and I also consider it my country. " A frank and measured statement from someone who could face the Moroccan national team in the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
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