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Moroccan Roots, Spanish Star: Yamal's Choice
7 Jul
Summary
- Lamine Yamal holds Moroccan and Equatoguinean heritage.
- He was born and raised in Spain, choosing to represent them.
- Yamal openly embraces his diverse background and faith.
Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old sensation, currently represents Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, quickly becoming a standout player. Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, he holds dual heritage. His father, Mounir Nasraoui, hails from Larache, Morocco, while his mother, Sheila Ebana, is from Bata, Equatorial Guinea. This background made him eligible to play for Spain, Morocco, or Equatorial Guinea.
Yamal chose to represent Spain, the country of his birth and upbringing, after developing in their youth programs. He has consistently acknowledged and honored his Moroccan and Equatoguinean roots. He has expressed that Morocco is 'also my country' and often wears football boots adorned with the flags of both nations.
His full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, reflecting his paternal Moroccan and maternal Equatoguinean lineage. He is also a practicing Muslim and has openly discussed his faith. During Ramadan, he balances fasting with his professional football career. Following his first goal in the 2026 World Cup against Saudi Arabia, he celebrated with sujood, an Islamic act of prostration, a gesture that unfortunately drew Islamophobic abuse on social media.
