Having achieved success with Brahim Diaz, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has admitted he had no chance of signing Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
The manager joined El Chiringuito to discuss his career, including that incredible run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
Looking to boost his side ahead of 2026 and also the summer’s Africa Cup of Nations, he admitted one recruit was never going to come.
“Lamine Yamal is an exceptional talent from a unique generation,” he said of the Barcelona megastar.
“We tried to bring him into the Moroccan national team, but he chose Spain. We wish him all the best. What he’s achieving at his age is remarkable.”
Lamine was eligible to play for his father’s country of Morocco and also his mother’s Equatorial Guinea, but opted for his birthplace of Spain.
Recalling their talks, Regragui continued: “He was truthful with me and with the federation.
“We presented him with our vision for Morocco — the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in our country, the 2030 World Cup, and all the love Morocco could offer him — but he never lied or pretended to be torn between Morocco and Spain.
“He told me after just two or three days. He called me with great respect and said, ‘Coach, I thank you for everything, but I have chosen Spain. I feel Spanish, I’ve played for their national teams since I was young, and I want to continue all the way to the senior squad’.
“Of course, we want to bring the best players to the national team, but we wish him success. He’s an honest young man, and I really appreciated that conversation. He will be one of the great stars of world football.”
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