According to Lekjaa, Morocco presented a long-term football project, stayed in regular contact with Yamal and arranged a meeting with then-coach Walid Regragui.
“Let me speak frankly and clearly. As for Lamine Yamal, we contacted him, and he is Moroccan through his father,” Lekjaa said.
Morocco believed it had a credible case. Yamal has Moroccan family ties, while his connection with former Barcelona academy teammate Abde Ezzalzouli offered another link to the national setup.
“More than that, he had a Moroccan friend, Abde Ezzalzouli, who was with him at Barcelona. They played in the same youth category and progressed through the ranks together,” Lekjaa explained.
Morocco’s run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals transformed the country’s reputation. The team no longer approaches elite recruits as an outsider seeking recognition; it can now point to a proven football identity and a squad capable of competing deep into major tournaments.
That shift matters beyond Yamal. Morocco’s federation is increasingly able to sell ambition, infrastructure and a pathway to international relevance. The decision still went against them, but the pursuit itself reflects a higher standing than Morocco enjoyed before Qatar.
Lekjaa also made clear that the federation respected Yamal’s choice. The tone was disappointment rather than bitterness, with the final remark turning the episode into a potential sporting storyline.
Yamal is expected to make his World Cup debut when Spain face Cabo Verde, while Morocco continue a tournament campaign shaped by their recent rise.
The intriguing question is whether the two teams will eventually meet. If they do, Lekjaa’s playful challenge could suddenly carry far greater weight.