Lamine Yamal Has No Regrets Trading Morocco for Spain After Breaking Three Records in Georgia Win

Lamine Yamal Has No Regrets Trading Morocco for Spain After Breaking Three Records in Georgia Win

Elijah Odetokun
updated at September 9, 2023 at 6:45 AM
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  • Lamine Yamal made his debut for Spain national team just days after his 16rh birthday
  • The Barcelona youngster broke two records with a goal on his debut
  • He was eligible to play for two African countries but chose the country of his birth

Lamine Yamal is one of the hottest youngsters in the world and proved why yesterday with his debut for the Spain national team, after which he made a groundbreaking comment on his international future.

Yamal was introduced to Barcelona's first team by Xavi at 15 years and some days. He has impressed enough to be permanently promoted to the senior squad.

His breakout age has meant he breaks records with almost every kick of the ball for Barcelona, and on making his debut for La Roja yesterday, he added three more records to his bag.

Lamine Yamal, Spain, Georgia, Euro 2024.
Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring on his Spain debut. Photo by Oliver Hardt.
Source: Getty Images

According to ESPN, he became the youngest to debut for Spain at 16 years and 57 days, surpassing Barcelona teammate Gavi, who did so at 17 and 62 days. He also became Spain and Euro Euro-qualifying youngest goalscorer.

Yamal speaks on his international future

The La Masia graduate was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. He represented Spain at all youth levels and pledged his international allegiance to the country of his birth.

Speaking to La1 via EuroFoot after a record-breaking debut, he admitted satisfaction with the decision on the country to play for but admitted there's a lot more to do.

"I am really happy to make my debut and to score. I am living a dream. I am very satisfied with the decision (of choosing Spain over Morocco). It is going to be a very long road with Spain," he said.

Spain faces Cyprus at home in three days, and he's expected to get some minutes or possibly a full debut.

Yamal reveals mum's feelings

Sports Brief reported that Yamal detailed his mum's feelings each time he starts a game for Barcelona after his second start for the Blaugrana against Villarreal.

The 2007-born winger claimed his mum Sheila Evans is always afraid for him, even though he can count on her for all the support.

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Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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