Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, 16, chooses Spanish national team at Morocco’s expense

Lamine Yamal is a name that is currently making Barcelona fans very happy. He came into the new season in style, but it was still to be decided whether he would represent Spain or Morocco. In the end, he opted for the Iberian country.

The Spanish national team has secured another young star. Lamine Yamal has made a great start to the season, but he is still only 16 years old.

He became the first most expensive player in history at such a young age. The Transfermarkt website has put a price tag of 25 million euros on him. And his performances for Barcelona match it.

Yamal already impressed in the friendly against Tottenham, when he scored an assist after a beautiful solo. He played 15 minutes against Getafe in the first round, but after the draw there was a change and the young footballer was already in the starting line-up in the next round against Cadiz.

With a good performance, he stayed in the line-up for the game against Villarreal and shone there. He set up the first goal for Gavi, and in the second half, after a great dribble, he fired into the bar, his attempt being headed into the empty net by Lewandowski.

And Spain were not idle at all. Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana was born in Spain, but he has a Moroccan father. The Moroccan national team tried to bring Yamal over, but even the 2010 world champion didn’t want to miss out on such a talent.

Both national teams pushed Yamal hard, and the 16-year-old eventually chose Spain. He is expected to be called up to the A-team for the first time by coach Luis de la Fuente on Friday.

However, the decision is not final. In fact, the FIFA organisation has introduced a rule in 2020 that if an under-21 player does not play at least three games for the national team, he can change national team three years after his last start.

Yamal could thus opt for Morocco in the future if he does not play at least 3 matches. However, it is likely that Spain will field him as soon as possible to secure the talented youngster.

Source: MARCA