Lamin Yamal wears the flags of two different countries on his shoes despite playing for Spain in the World Cup
The Spanish winger has become one of the faces of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but a closer look at his boots reveals his appreciation for two countries that continue to play an important role in his identity and his family’s story.Already one of the most closely watched players at the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal added another chapter to his fast-growing international career when he started in his country’s crucial Group H win over Saudi Arabia.Spain entered the match under pressure after an unexpected goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening match of the tournament, but Luis de la Fuente’s side responded strongly with a 4-0 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal scored an own goal and a Mikel Oyarzabal double completed a dominant Spanish performance that lifted La Roja to the top of Group H with four points and put them firmly in control of their qualification hopes heading into the final group stage match.
Spaniard Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S.Lesser)
The match also marks another milestone for the Barcelona star, who makes the 27th appearance of his international career after first emerging as one of world football’s brightest talents during Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.However, while Yamal continues to represent Spain on football’s biggest stage, his boots tell a much broader story.Anyone who looks closely at the boots worn throughout the tournament will notice two flags embedded in the design.
Neither of them belongs to Spain.
The two flags that appear on Yamal’s shoes
Yamal regularly wears custom Adidas F50 boots bearing the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea. The icons are not there by accident.It represents his parents’ birthplace and reflects a heritage that spans three different countries.Although Yamal was born in Barcelona and developed entirely within the Spanish football system, his family’s roots extend far beyond Spain.
His mother was born in Equatorial Guinea, the small country in central Africa located on the west coast of Africa.His father was born in Morocco, a country that has captured global attention with its historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.These two flags have become a permanent feature on Yamal’s boots and appeared again during Spain’s World Cup preparations and warm-up sessions in Atlanta.
The gesture is a tribute to both sides of his family while recognizing the countries that shaped his parents long before he emerged as one of football’s biggest young stars.
Morocco and Equatorial Guinea were hoping to see him represent them
Yamal’s rise has attracted the attention of several national teams. Because of his family background, he was eligible to represent Spain, Morocco and Equatorial Guinea at international level.Spain always seems to have a big advantage.Born in Barcelona, he progressed through the Spanish youth system and represented Spain at every age level available.However, Morocco made persistent efforts to convince him to choose the Atlas Lions instead.
The Moroccan Football Federation presented its long-term sports project to Yamal and his family before the winger made his final decision.Speaking about those discussions in 2023, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, Faouzi Lekjaa, acknowledged that Spain ultimately remained the player’s preferred option.“We took our project to him and his family, but Al-Amin was already convinced to go to Spain,” Lekja said.“Spain and Morocco are separated by 14 kilometers, and it is normal for these things to happen. I respect Al-Amin.”According to reports at the time, Yamal told Moroccan officials that he felt Spanish and wanted to continue the path he had followed throughout his youth career.Equatorial Guinea has also maintained a close interest in adolescent development.In 2024, the president of the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, Venancio Thomas Ndong Misha, spoke about the country’s connection to the player during an interview with the BBC.“We hold him close to our hearts and believe he will do many things for Equatorial Guinean football,” Mika said.In the end Yamal chose Spain, but the continued presence of Alamein on his boots reflects the fact that he never distanced himself from either side of his family heritage.
Spain’s World Cup campaign is gaining momentum
The discussion surrounding Yamal’s boot comes as Spain continues to strengthen its position in Group H.Their campaign unfolded across two dramatically different shows.The tournament started with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a result that left Spain facing uncomfortable questions despite entering the competition between the favourites.The response against Saudi Arabia was much more convincing.Yamal opened the scoring before Spain outstripped its opponents with an explosive attacking display that eventually resulted in four goals and its first victory in the tournament.The result lifted Spain to the top of Group H with four points from two matches and left it in a good position to secure a place in the round of 32.For Yamal, it also marked another important moment in what has already become a remarkable international career.