The reasons behind why Spain star Lamine Yamal has been wearing the flags of two other nations on his boots has now been revealed.
Yamal, 16, has been one of the stars of the tournament in Germany thus far, having impressed with his performances during Spain’s unbeaten run.
The teenager – who recently discovered the results to his school exams while at Euro 2024 – will be hoping to continue that form when Spain take on hosts Germany on Friday.
And, ahead of the match, some eagle-eyed fans have noted how Yamal has been wearing the flags of two other nations on his boots and have now figured out why.
The flags which can be seen are that of Equatorial Guinea and Morocco – the two nations where his parents are from.
Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been one of the standout players throughout Euro 2024
The 16-year-old wears boots that bear the flags of Equatorial Guinea and Morocco
His father is from Morocco, meanwhile his mother is from Equatorial Guinea.
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Yamal, before opting to play for Spain, had the option to represent either of the nations – with Morocco previously trying to convince the winger to do so.
In 2023, Moroccan FA’s president Fouzi Lekjaa claimed they held a meeting with Yamal but he rejected the opportunity.
Lekjaa said: ‘We conveyed our project to him and his family, but Lamine was already convinced about going to Spain.
‘Spain and Morocco are separated by 14 kilometres, and it is normal for these things to happen. I respect Lamine.’
The teenager broke onto the scene with Barcelona last season, making his debut at the age of 15.
Yamal had the opportunity to represent either nation before opting to play for Spain
Yamal pictured with his mother (left) and father (centre) after Spain’s win over Croatia
The winger has quickly developed into a key player for the Catalan giants and earned a first call-up to the national team in September 2023, before he scored on his debut against Georgia – becoming the youngest player to ever feature and score for La Roja.
And at 16 years and 338, Yamal has broken yet another record as he’s become the youngest player in history to play the Euros having been named in Spain’s XI against Croatia .
The record was previously held by Poland and Brighton midfielder Kacper Kozlowski, who featured against Spain at Euro 2020 aged 17 years 246 days.
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