From a sporting perspective, Spain’s national team offered Yamal a more established project — with world-class infrastructure, greater exposure, and consistent participation in major international tournaments.
At just 17 years old, Spain’s competitive environment guaranteed him continuity, development, and the chance to compete at the highest level from an early age.
Meanwhile, Morocco is enjoying a golden era of its own. Beyond its 2022 World Cup run, the country’s recent triumph at the U-20 World Cup confirmed its evolution into an emerging football powerhouse.
Still, Yamal’s decision seems to have been driven more by emotion than strategy: he chose the country where he was born and raised.
