Football should bring people together

Lamine Jamal celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday, Monday, wearing a diamond necklace around his neck, in an atmosphere of family fun, and preparing to play the most important match in his life, but the clearest message that the Spain striker sent before meeting France in the semi-final of the World Cup on Tuesday was not related to scoring goals, gifts, or fame. In response to a question about the controversial statement made by former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, that France is a great team but “does not include any French players,” Lamine, who has a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, said that football should be a bridge that connects people. He added to reporters in Dallas, “We will have a great match, but if football has any benefit, it is to bring people together.”

He continued, “France and Spain are examples of integration. This is what football is all about: integration. Not talking about what someone else said.” This was a balanced answer from a player who is still young enough to be asked about his birthday gifts, and famous enough for his family to be drawn into the spotlight surrounding the tournament. Al-Amin smiled when asked about his three-year-old brother, Ken, whose spontaneity in front of the cameras made him one of Spain’s unexpected attractions at the World Cup.

Jamal said, “My brother does not realize what is happening.” “He acts like he does at home, and when the cameras focus on him, he starts causing problems.”

He continued, “I would love for people to love him.” “It’s fun to see him on screen.”