Fate had other plans for Lamine Yamal, one of football’s brightest young stars. The FC Barcelona winger watched from afar as Morocco were crowned U-20 World Champions in Chile 2025, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final — a title that, had he made a different choice, could have been his as well.

Born in Spain to a Moroccan father, Yamal opted to represent La Roja instead of his ancestral homeland. Although his decision was made long ago, Morocco’s historic triumph has reignited the debate over what could have been if he had chosen differently.

Why did he choose Spain over Morocco?

Growing up in Mataró and developed at La Masia, Yamal always dreamed of wearing Spain’s colors. His upbringing and footballing education in Spain were key factors behind his decision.

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui explained on El Chiringuito how the conversation went when the player confirmed his choice:

“I spoke directly with Lamine Yamal, and he was very honest with me. Two or three days later, he called and said: ‘Coach, thank you for the affection, but I’m going to choose Spain. I feel Spanish.’ He’s a very sincere kid.”

Regragui also made it clear that the player never wavered between his two options nor used the situation as leverage:

“He never lied. He didn’t say, ‘I’m Moroccan’ or ‘I’m Spanish.’ He simply chose Spain. That’s football.”

A future that could have been different

Things could have turned out very differently. Morocco, who stunned the world by reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinals, struck again by winning the U-20 World Cup, defeating Argentina in Santiago de Chile.

Had Yamal chosen the Moroccan path, he would have shared the dressing room with several rising African talents — and perhaps lifted his first world title at just 18 years old.

Instead, he bet on Spain, a nation currently struggling at youth level but one that offers world-class infrastructure, a top-tier domestic league, and the chance to become the face of its footballing future.

Pride and respect in Morocco

Despite the inevitable disappointment, Regragui holds no grudge. In fact, he was full of praise for the Barça prodigy:

“Lamine Yamal is a generational talent. We tried to bring him to our team, but he chose Spain, and I wish him the best. What he’s doing at his age is incredible.”

In Morocco, the conversation now centers less on regret and more on pride. The nation’s youth project continues to thrive, and the U-20 World Cup title alongside the Qatar 2022 legacy prove that Morocco’s progress doesn’t depend on a single player.

Two paths, two success stories

While Morocco celebrates its first-ever youth world title, Spain continues to shape the jewel many already see as Lionel Messi’s natural heir at Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal may not have a U-20 World Cup medal, but he does have a brilliant present — and a future that seems destined to define a generation.

He chose the path closest to his heart, even if it meant giving up a historic trophy. In football, as in life, choices shape destiny. Yamal made his — and Morocco, even without him, still reached glory.