In an unexpected turn of events that could change the course of international football, Lamin Yamal, the young Barcelona star and rising star of Spanish football, has decided to represent Morocco instead of Spain. This news, which has sent shockwaves through the sports world, comes after his suspension by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which has barred him from the national team for 18 months, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.
Lamin’s decision was motivated by a deep sense of betrayal and anger towards the Spanish Federation. After being publicly called a “traitor” by national team coach Luis de la Fuente, the 18-year-old has chosen to reconnect with his Moroccan roots, where his father was born. His conversation with the Moroccan national team coach, Walid Regragui, proved decisive. Lamin expressed his desire to play for Morocco, and the response was clear: “If you want to play for us, we welcome you with open arms.”
The situation has caused a seismic shift in Spanish football. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is in a state of panic, aware that it has lost its most promising player due to a sanction that many consider disproportionate. The Spanish media has been quick to criticize the federation harshly, while public opinion is divided between those who see Lamin as a traitor and those who blame the RFEF for its handling of the case.
Lamin, for his part, has made it clear that his decision is firm. “Spain already sees me as a traitor. They have taken away my dream of playing in a World Cup,” he declared. With the support of his family and a strong emotional connection to Morocco, he is preparing to take a step that could define his career and the history of football.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Football Federation is working diligently to facilitate Lamin’s transfer, preparing a dossier that demonstrates his connection to the country and his unfair treatment by the RFEF. The possibility of Lamin playing in the 2026 World Cup for Morocco is already underway, and social media in the North African country is flooded with premature celebrations.
This scandal not only affects the sporting world but could also have diplomatic repercussions between Spain and Morocco. The question that remains is: how will Spain react if they face Morocco in the 2026 World Cup? The image of Lamin, in the green jersey, facing his former teammates, could be one of the most dramatic moments in football history.
Lamin Yamal’s story is a reminder that football is more than just a game. It’s about identity, belonging, and, above all, decisions that can change lives. Spain mourns the loss of its star, while Morocco celebrates the arrival of a new icon. The 2026 World Cup already has its most controversial story. And you, whose side are you on?
