Lamine Yamal Represents His Heritage with Flags on His Boots While Playing for Spain
Lamine Yamal, the rising Barcelona star, has been seen wearing boots decorated with the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea—despite representing Spain on the international stage.
At just 17, Yamal is considered one of football’s brightest talents and is even in contention for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside the likes of Mo Salah, Ousmane Dembélé, and Raphinha. His standout performance in Spain’s dramatic 5-4 UEFA Nations League semi-final win over France, where he scored twice, has only strengthened his case.
Though now firmly a member of Spain’s national team—and a European Championship winner—Yamal had the option to represent either Morocco or Equatorial Guinea, due to his parents’ origins. His mother is from Equatorial Guinea, while his father hails from Morocco.
The Moroccan national team tried to recruit him, with head coach Walid Regragui openly discussing efforts to bring Yamal into the fold. Ultimately, Yamal declined, expressing his deep-rooted connection to Spain, having come through their youth system.
Equatorial Guinea’s football federation also shared pride in Yamal’s success, despite his choice, with their president saying the nation still views him as one of their own.
Born in Catalonia, Yamal reflects his multicultural roots through the flags on his boots. He’s not the only player to do so—England’s Cole Palmer also honors his heritage by wearing boots featuring the flags of both England and St. Kitts and Nevis
