Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – How can a young man of such tender age possess such profound maturity and serve as an inspiration for generations? This question frequently arises when discussing Lamine Yamal, the football sensation whose accomplishments defy his youth. He still enjoys lollipops, wears braces, dyes his hair, and sports two pairs of children’s glasses simultaneously – truly a child at heart. Yet, where does all this wisdom and success come from?
Yamal has just signed a new, six-year contract with Barcelona, securing a substantial salary and benefits. The agreement also stipulates a staggering €1 billion release clause, making it virtually impossible for any club, no matter how wealthy, to acquire him. This deal is truly untouchable.
However, a public signing ceremony with photographs, usually standard for such monumental events, has been conspicuously absent from both the club and Yamal’s social media. The reason, it turns out, lies with his grandmother, “Akko” Fatima. His beloved grandmother, who supported him through thick and thin since childhood, could not be present at the signing. The mature-beyond-his-years prodigy, Lamine Yamal, stated it would pain him to release an official photo of his new contract without her by his side.
He declared, “If she’s not next to me, I’m incomplete, and it’s not right to use an incomplete image of myself as the official picture of the agreement.” Consequently, the official photo shoot and related matters have been postponed to a later date when his grandmother can attend.
This remarkable story begins with Sheila Ebana, a young woman who migrated from Equatorial Guinea to Catalonia, working in hospitality in Rocafonda to build a better life. Similarly, Nasraoui emigrated from Morocco with his mother, Fatima, and his brothers, earning a living as a painter.
A painter and a waitress – an African Arab and a Black African – two souls who crossed the sea to brighten their future. In the diaspora of Catalonia, under the Spanish sky, they fell in love.
Before the child conceived was born, the two immigrant lovers faced immense hardship in a foreign land. They struggled, unable to afford rent. Despite their best efforts, they found relief only through the kindness of two individuals. These two benevolent men, who appeared when all seemed lost and offered crucial support in their time of need, were named Mr. Lamine and Mr. Yamal. Yes, we haven’t made a mistake.
Lamine and Yamal were the benefactors of the two struggling lovers. At that time, the father, Nasraoui, fulfilled a promise he made to these two kind hearts. He named his son after them.
The name that the whole world now applauds, the name emblazoned on the back of the miraculous player’s jersey, the name so sweet to all football lovers – Lamine Yamal – is not his mother’s or father’s family name. It’s a testament to the generosity of those two individuals who came to their aid in a time of crisis. Its meaning, beyond commemorating his benefactors, also describes the character of a golden individual: Lamine Yamal means “faithful beauty.”
He has broken numerous records and achieved unbelievable feats. He led Spain to victory in the European Championship and was the commanding general when Barça clinched the domestic treble.
Akko Fatima, by God’s grace, has lived to witness this miracle with her own eyes. Not only will she be present when he officially signs his new contract, but perhaps, in the fashion capital of Paris, when he is crowned the world’s best player and receives the coveted Ballon d’Or award, she will stand beside him, not dressed like a Parisian, but in her traditional, timeless wide dress, representing her faith and culture. Insha’Allah!
This statement may seem repetitive, but the truth remains the truth, and its reiteration is justified. So, let us remind ourselves once more:
Lamine Yamal, who has achieved all these timeless miracles, is still only 17 years old!
Via: Tilaye Yami
