Spain forward Lamine Yamal has called for football to unite people after responding to former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s controversial comments about France ahead of the World Cup semi-final.
Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, addressed the issue before Spain’s meeting with France in Dallas. Rajoy recently claimed France were a great team but “did not have any French players”, a remark that drew accusations of racism.
Asked about the controversy, Yamal avoided further confrontation.
“Tomorrow we’ll play a brilliant match but if football serves any purpose it’s to bring people together,” he told reporters.
“France and Spain are examples of integration. That’s what football is all about, integration. Not talking about what someone else has said.”
The Spain winger, whose father is Moroccan and mother is from Equatorial Guinea, also spoke about the attention surrounding his family during the tournament.
“My brother doesn’t realise,” Yamal said about his three-year-old brother Keyne, who has become a popular figure after appearing on television during Spain’s matches.
“He does what he does at home, and when the camera focuses on him, he gets up to mischief.”
“I like it when people like him. It’s fun to see him on screen.”
Yamal also revealed he bought himself a diamond necklace to celebrate his birthday before what he described as “the most important match of my life”.
Despite scoring only once at the tournament, the Barcelona forward insisted he remains focused on the team’s progress.
“Every tournament is different,” he said.
“I’m not worried about having scored just one goal in the World Cup so far. We’re winning.”
Spain face France for a place in the World Cup final, with Yamal expecting a closely fought contest.
“It’s going to be a great match. A match that everyone was hoping would happen.”
