Lequjaa on Yamal: "I don't know a Spaniard named Jamal"

Morocco Football Federation president Fawzi Lequjaa reopened the Lamine Yamal file, affirming that Morocco has never questioned the midfielder’s choice to represent Spain, before delivering a remark expected to spark strong reactions.

When asked about the matter, Lequjaa was careful to deny any hostility. He said: “We respected Jamal’s choice, we never questioned it. We have not changed our behaviour towards Jamal or his family, who visit Morocco regularly as far as I know, especially in the northern regions, their ancestral homeland. They will always be welcome.”

But the federation official quickly tempered this conciliatory tone with a double-edged remark: “I don’t know a Spaniard named Jamal.” This is a direct allusion to the Arabic name of the Barcelona winger, which he was given in tribute to two people who supported his family during a difficult period of his mother’s pregnancy.

As for Lamine Yamal, he has settled the matter long ago on the pitch. He is an indispensable starter in La Roja’s lineup, featured in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, and just helped Spain qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Portugal. The Spanish team will now face Belgium to compete for a spot in the round of 16.