Lamine Yamal: Symbol of Spain’s Multicultural Identity in World Cup Final

Lamine Yamal, 19, stands at the center of a national discussion. As Spain gears up for the World Cup final, debates arise over what it means to be Spanish in an increasingly diverse society.

The neighborhood where Lamine Yamal was raised, Rocafonda, gathered last week to watch Spain’s semifinal against France on a large screen. Many donned shirts with his name, showing their support.

Jason Horowitz reported from Rocafonda, Spain, Yamal’s hometown, and spoke with his family, including his grandmother and cousin.

On July 18, 2026, shortly before Spain secured a spot in the World Cup final, Fatima Romani, the grandmother of Spain’s 19-year-old star, Lamine Yamal, reflected on her grandson’s journey. She sat in a playground that her grandson, born to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, called home. This was where he first honed his soccer skills. His image now gazes down from a wall mural, representing the pride of the community.

Fatima Romani recounted a time when support was scarce. After her grandson scored a goal as a young boy, he faced disparagement from some Spaniards, hearing slurs like “Bloody Moor” and remarks about his race.

She said, “Many things have happened to him.” Wearing a navy hijab and leaning on a wooden walking stick, she shared her reflections quietly. Her eyes filled with emotion when she considered the progress of both her grandson and Spain.

The situation has shifted significantly, said Ms. Romani, who believes she is in her early 70s. She acknowledged the transformation in attitudes, marking the changes she has witnessed.

Fatima Romani, Yamal’s grandmother, in a park in Rocafonda, Spain.Photo credit: Maria Contreras Coll for The New York Times