Former RFEF chief lifts lid on threat to 'kill' Barcelona superstar Lamine Yama's father over decision to represent Spain at international level instead of Morocco

The 17-year-old was earmarked as an international talent at a young age, eventually making his senior debut for La Roja in September 2023. Yamal represented Spain at four underage levels and grew up just outside of Barcelona, but was born to a Moroccan father while his mother is from Equitorial Guinea.

It is believed Yamal's father pushed for his son to represent Morocco. The La Masia graduate spent his teenage years in Rocafonda, which has a significant population of Moroccan nationals. However, Yamal chose to stick with Spain, playing a pivotal role in the country's success at Euro 2024.

Speaking to Cadena SER, former RFEF chief Albert Luque said: "It was not an easy case. The Moroccancoach went expressly to Lamine Yamal’s family and the Moroccan government also tried to convince him.

"But, when we spoke to him he told me: ‘I want to be European champion, I’m being pressured by all sides but I want to play for Spain’.

“His father was more complicated. He told me that in Morocco they would kill him. He told me some things that it’s better not to talk about."

Yamal will likely start in both legs of Spain's upcoming Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands. Before that, he faces a crucial run of fixtures in Barcelona's season. The Blaugrana play Osasuna at home later today before the second leg of their 'Round of 16' tie against Benfica midweek, and an away trip to Atlético Madrid the following weekend.