Former Morocco manager Walid Regragui has revealed that the country’s football federation made a sustained attempt to persuade Lamine Yamal to represent the Atlas Lions, beginning when the Barcelona forward was only 14.
Regragui said the case of Yamal was treated as a priority in discussions with Morocco Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, with the player viewed as a potential future Lionel Messi.
“The Yamal file was a priority, in coordination with Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the football federation, because he was considered the future Lionel Messi,” Regragui said during an appearance on the Maghreb podcast, broadcast on the Athir platform.
According to Regragui, Morocco invited Yamal’s parents and grandmother to the country and held several meetings with them. The efforts also included promises that the teenager could be given an important role in the senior national team, together with the opportunity to pursue major achievements and compete for the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal ultimately chose to play for Spain, where he has gone on to establish himself at international level.
Regragui also discussed his attempts to influence the international future of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli during the forward’s early career. The former Morocco coach said he travelled specifically to Barcelona to meet the player and try to convince him to join the national side.
“Although the player showed his love for Morocco, he told me at that time that he had decided to play for Spain, before things later changed and he chose to represent the Moroccan national team,” Regragui said.
Ezzalzouli eventually opted to play for Morocco, despite previously telling Regragui that he intended to represent Spain.
Regragui praises Morocco players’ commitment
Regragui also insisted that Morocco’s players approach continental and international competition because of their passion for football and their love of the country, rather than for financial reasons.
He said the squad understood the significance and responsibility of representing Morocco, adding that their greatest ambition was to win continental and world titles and bring happiness to Moroccan supporters.
Those achievements, Regragui said, were considered far more valuable than any bonuses or financial allowances the players might receive for international duty.
“All the players earn good money with their professional clubs,” he explained, adding that none of them had asked about or demanded payment for representing Morocco since he became coach.
Regragui said the relationship between the coaching staff, the players and the Moroccan football federation was built on a deep sense of mutual trust. He presented that confidence as central to the national team’s approach as it competes for success on the continental and international stages.
The comments provide further insight into Morocco’s efforts to attract players with links to the country, including Yamal and Ezzalzouli, while also highlighting Regragui’s belief that representing the national team should be driven by sporting ambition and national pride.
