Lamine Yamal has risen to turn out to be a star for Barcelona and Spain within the final 12 months.
The 17-year-old was chosen in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024 final summer time, and regardless of not turning 17 till the day earlier than their ultimate win over England, he was central to the title.
He’s now a sure starter for de la Fuente forward of Spain’s UEFA Nations League double header in opposition to the Netherlands later this month.
Nevertheless, his eventual name to play for Spain was blighted by controversy, regardless of representing La Roja at 4 underage ranges earlier than his senior bow in September 2023.
Lamine Yamal’s household background incudes a Moroccan father and a mom from Equatorial Guinea with {the teenager} being born and raised simply exterior Barcelona metropolis centre.
His father is closely rumoured to have pushed for Lamine Yamal to characterize Morocco with {the teenager} rising up in Rocafonda – which has a big inhabitants of Moroccan nationals.
Regardless of that strain, Lamine Yamal caught along with his unique name to characterize Spain, which former RFEF director of soccer Albert Lugue outlined was troublesome.
Exterior points performed a key position and Luque hinted Lamine Yamal was involved he may even bodily be endangered by his son’s selection.
“It was not a straightforward case. The Moroccan coach went expressly to Lamine Yamal’s household and the Moroccan authorities additionally tried to persuade him,” Luque informed an interview with Cadena SER.
“However, after we spoke to him he informed me: ‘I wish to be European champion, I’m being pressured by all sides however I wish to play for Spain’.
“His father was extra sophisticated. He informed me that in Morocco they’d kill him. He informed me some issues that it’s higher to not speak about.
“His mom is the particular person Lamine leans on essentially the most. She requested if I wished him to be with Spain, and I lied, I informed her it was as a result of he was prepared and never due to [the threat from] Morocco.”