A former RFEF chief has revealed that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's father was threatened with death over his son's decision to represent Spain internationally rather than Morocco.
Former RFEF chief Albert Luque has stated that Lamine Yamal’s father received death threats following the young player’s decision to represent Spain instead of Morocco.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 17-year-old was identified as a promising international prospect early on, making his senior debut for La Roja in September 2023. Yamal played for Spain at four youth levels and grew up near Barcelona, though his father is Moroccan and his mother hails from Equatorial Guinea.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
It is thought that Yamal’s father encouraged him to represent Morocco. The La Masia graduate spent his teenage years in Rocafonda, an area with a large Moroccan community. However, Yamal decided to stay loyal to Spain, playing a key role in the country’s success at Euro 2024..
WHAT ALBERT LUQUE SAID
In an interview with Cadena SER, former RFEF president Albert Luque shared: “It wasn’t an easy situation. The Moroccan coach personally visited Lamine Yamal’s family, and even the Moroccan government tried to persuade him.
“But when we spoke to him, he said: ‘I want to be a European champion. I’m being pressured from all sides, but I want to play for Spain.’
“His father’s response was more complicated. He told me that in Morocco, they would kill him. He shared some things that are better left unsaid.”
WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?
Yamal is expected to start in both legs of Spain’s upcoming Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands. Before that, he has an important series of matches with Barcelona. The Blaugrana will face Osasuna at home later today, followed by the second leg of their ‘Round of 16’ tie against Benfica midweek, and an away match against Atlético Madrid next weekend.
