Lamine Yamal has become Spain's breakout star at the 2026 World Cup, but his journey was shaped by his parents' sacrifices. Mounir Nasraoui and Sheila Ebana, from Morocco and Equatorial Guinea respectively, worked tirelessly to support his soccer dreams.
Who are Lamine Yamal's parents?
Mounir Nasraoui was born in Morocco, while Sheila Ebana's family immigrated from Equatorial Guinea. Yamal's grandmother first arrived in Spain from Morocco, working three shifts to bring his father over. His mother later joined them from Guinea.
The family's sacrifices gave Yamal the chance to represent Spain internationally. He told the Royal Spanish Football Federation in 2023, 'I have always played for Spain, since the under-15s. I have always been clear, I want to play for Spain.'
How did Yamal's parents support his career?
After Nasraoui and Ebana separated when Yamal was three, his mother worked multiple jobs to support him. She met CF La Torreta youth coordinator Inocente Díez, who ensured Yamal could play without financial barriers.
'I told my parents: "If you depend on me for work, we're screwed. But if I become a footballer, don't worry, because I'm going to be a footballer,"' Yamal said on a podcast.
What role did Yamal's mother play?
Yamal calls his mother 'my queen' and credits her for his success. 'I came from an apartment where the kitchen and bedroom were in the same place,' he said. 'Now, I see my mother happy, I see that my brother can have the childhood I would have wanted.'
Ebana remarried and had Yamal's younger half-brother, Keyne, in 2022. The toddler has already become a fan favorite, celebrating with Yamal after Spain's 2024 UEFA European Championship win.
What's next for Yamal's family?
With Yamal's success, his family has seen their lives change dramatically. His parents' support has been crucial in his rise from humble beginnings to international stardom. As Yamal continues to shine, his family remains his biggest supporters.