Lamine Yamal’s performance at the ongoing European Championships is set to boost football in Equatorial Guinea, according to the country’s football federation.
The 16-year-old, who has impressed the world with his displays in Germany, represents Spain despite having an Equatoguinean mother and a Moroccan father. Born in Barcelona, Yamal is progressing through La Masia, FC Barcelona’s prestigious academy, and has recently completed his first season with the five-time European champions.
“Even though Lamine is not playing for Equatorial Guinea, we hold him very close in our hearts and think he is going to do many things for Equatoguinean football,” said Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha, president of the country’s football federation, to BBC Sport Africa. “We are enjoying his extraordinary performances at the Euros, on top of the great season with FC Barcelona. He has our roots, and this shows that we are a country of good footballers.”
Yamal has shown his all-around ability with a stunning goal against France and assists in games against Croatia, Georgia, and Germany. He is set to play in the final against England on Sunday, a day after his 17th birthday, making him the youngest player to contest a final at either the Euros or World Cup.
Equatorial Guinea, a country split into two parts with its capital Malabo on an island and the largest city, Bata, on the mainland, is where Yamal’s mother was born. While his mother and grandmother live in Barcelona, the rest of his maternal family remains in Equatorial Guinea.
Three years ago, Equatorial Guinea’s football federation tried to secure Yamal’s services, but Spain was far ahead in recruiting him. “We contacted the family in 2021 but the advances with the Spanish football federation had gone very deep,” said Ndong Micha.
Morocco also attempted to recruit Yamal last year, but the teenager’s firm desire to play for Spain prevailed. However, both African countries remain close to Yamal’s heart, as evidenced by the national flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea on his football boots.
“This shows that even though he is playing for Spain, he is not forgetting his Equatoguinean roots,” added Ndong Micha.
Yamal’s breakthrough at Barcelona mirrors that of Ansu Fati, another player of African descent, highlighting the talent within Equatorial Guinea. Ndong Micha believes Yamal’s success will shine a spotlight on Equatorial Guinea, encouraging more young players to follow in his footsteps.
Equatorial Guinea has reached the knockout stages in the last two Africa Cup of Nations, and Yamal is not the first Spain-based player of Equatoguinean descent to gain attention. Earlier this year, Emilio Nsue was the top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations at age 34.
Despite recent challenges, such as Fifa ruling Nsue ineligible for Equatorial Guinea, the nation remains determined. “We have to continue preparing well,” says Ndong Micha. The government is investing in football academies to discover more talents like Yamal and Nsue.
With Fifa, the Confederation of African Football, and government support, Equatorial Guinea aims to grow its football capabilities, potentially qualifying for the World Cup. If successful, Yamal might one day play against his mother’s nation on the world stage.
