Lamine Yamal, known for his fearless personality, has spoken out against former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s alleged racist remarks targeting players of the France national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. While appreciating the Les Bleus’ dominant performance throughout the competition, Rajoy claimed that they “don’t have any French players.” Current Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez strongly condemned his comments, saying that a country should never be judged by the people’s birthplace, surname or skin colour.
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Yamal, who addressed the media on his 19th birthday in Dallas, echoed a similar sentiment. The Barcelona superstar, who honed his skills at the famous La Masia academy, was born to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. However, he chose to represent the Spanish national football team.
What did Lamine Yamal say about Mariano Rajoy’s controversial remarks?
When asked about his view on the matter, the teenage football sensation said that football should be a medium of unity. Though he avoided taking any name, Yamal bluntly said, “Tomorrow we’ll play a brilliant match, but if football serves any purpose it’s to bring people together.”
“France and Spain are examples of integration. That’s what football is all about: integration. Not talking about what someone else has said,” he added.
Lamine Yamal Set For ‘Most Important Match Of His Career’
The 19-year-old, playing his first-ever FIFA World Cup, remains determined to reach the final. While acknowledging that he has managed to score just once so far in the tournament, Yamal made it clear that he would prioritise his team over personal achievements.
“Every tournament is different. I’m not worried about having scored just one goal in the World Cup so far. We’re winning. I’ve seen World Cups where Spain were knocked out, and so far that hasn’t happened. I hope to keep playing matches so I can score,” Yamal explained.
“And it’s going to be a great match. A match that everyone was hoping would happen. Both teams will attack and defend. It’s sure to be a very evenly matched game,” he added further.
Spain and France square off in the high-stakes semi-final at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.
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