Yamal, Soccer Star and Son of African Migrants, Personifies a Changing Spain
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old Spanish soccer star of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent, grew up honing his skills in a playground frequented by children of North and West African heritage, where his image is now celebrated.
- His grandmother, Fatima Romani, recalls a time when Yamal faced racial taunts and discrimination from Spaniards during his childhood soccer games.
- Despite past challenges, Romani reflects on the significant progress in societal attitudes, noting the widespread support for Yamal as Spain advanced to the World Cup final.
- The story highlights both Yamal's personal journey and the broader changes in Spain regarding race and acceptance in sports and society.
