The FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal faces a pivotal choice in the coming days: which Absolute squad will he represent on the international stage?
The young Barça attacker, just 16, faces a dual path between Spain and Morocco. He has quickly become the standout talent at the start of the season, contributing off the bench against Getafe and earning a starting berth against Cádiz at Montjuïc. His impact has been notable not only in matches but also in the preseason, where his audacity drew attention beyond the field.
If reports from multiple Spanish outlets are correct, Yamal is set to receive a call from Luis de la Fuente for the Eurocup qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus on September 8 and 12. The big question remains: will the teenager, born in Mataró on July 13, 2007, opt for Spain or keep his other option open with Morocco?
Spain or Morocco: why Lamine Yamal stands at a crossroads for Barcelona’s rising star
The scenario mirrors earlier choices faced by Gavi and Ansu Fati. Spain soon knocked on the door of these Barcelona talents, and both ultimately pledged their allegiance to La Roja. As reported by AS, the Spanish Football Federation, led by base football coordinator Tito Blanco and technical director Francis Hernández, met with Yamal in Barcelona to communicate the federation’s intention to include him in the next national team call-ups under Luis de la Fuente. The publication notes that Yamal has given a clear positive signal to the federation, even as Morocco remains keen to secure his services, given the player’s family roots.
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Who is Lamine Yamal, how old is he, and how does he play
The Barcelonista striker has consistently been involved with the national team project, already a fixture across the youth ranks. He has appeared in 21 games across the U15, U16, U17 and U19 levels, recording 12 goals along the way. Given his trajectory, it would be unusual for him not to be considered for the matches against Georgia and Cyprus. If he makes his debut in one of those fixtures, he would become the youngest player to debut for the senior national team, surpassing his Barcelona teammate Gavi, who started for Spain at 17 years and 62 days in the 2021 Nations League era.
Yamal’s early call-up is also tied to the current state of Moroccan football, which is actively pursuing his inclusion. However, FIFA rules allow a player with dual nationality to switch allegiance if no more than three official or friendly appearances have been made, or if three years have not elapsed since his debut with the first national team. This creates a real window of possibility for the player to decide based on his development and his personal and professional priorities.
Meanwhile, Spain has the U-17 World Cup on the horizon, a tournament that could count among Yamal’s future appearances even as he remains a central figure at Barcelona. The federation appears eager to secure him for the absolute team as soon as possible, yet the possibility of competing in the U-17 World Cup remains a practical option depending on selection dynamics and the athlete’s progression. The situation remains fluid, with multiple scenarios that could influence his ultimate choice in the coming weeks.
In summary, Lamine Yamal stands at a crossroads that could shape his international career for years to come. Both Spain and Morocco have strong reasons to pursue him, and the decision will likely reflect a mix of personal preference, national team strategy, and the player’s development trajectory in the next phases of the season.