As England faces Spain in the Euro 2024 finals, Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal’s stellar performances have captured widespread attention – as has his Muslim heritage.
England’s national team has long been known for its diverse players with immigrant heritage. A recent social media post showed how reliant the English team is on players from immigrant backgrounds.
Now, Spain’s national team has started shifting in this direction, with Yamal’s emergence signifying the evolving face of Spanish football.
The 16-year-old’s name is a Spanish adaptation of the Arabic names Amin (meaning ‘devoted’) and Jamal (meaning ‘beauty’).
His father hails from Morocco, and photos circulating online show the player alongside his proud hijab-wearing grandmother.
Observers have also noted Yamal’s pre-match ritual, where he performs a supplication with his hands open and palms facing upward, reminiscent of Muslim prayer practices.
Watch the following video to learn more about Lamine Yamal’s Muslim roots.
