Key Takeaways
- Residents of Rocafonda, Mataro, look ahead to the World Cup final with excitement.
- Lamine Yamal’s grandmother and cousin express support for Spain against Argentina.
- Yamal honors his roots through gestures and displays of national pride during the tournament.
In a working-class neighbourhood outside Barcelona, locals are buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The pitch where Lamine Yamal honed his skills is now a focal point for community pride.
Keba, an 18-year-old resident of Rocafonda, expressed his excitement: 'Now that the moment has come when the two of them are going to play against each other, it’s incredible.'
Yamal, who was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and mother from Equatorial Guinea, has never forgotten his roots. Throughout his career, he has honored Rocafonda with his trademark '304' hand gesture after scoring goals — a reference to the neighbourhood's postal code.
During the World Cup, Yamal has worn a headband with 'Rocafonda' on it and donned the flags of his parents’ countries of origin on his boots. He has also spoken about football as an example of racial and social integration.
The community’s support for Yamal is evident in the presence of his grandmother, Fatima Nasraoui, and 15-year-old cousin Rayan. At a nearby park, they watched children play on a pitch behind a mural featuring Lamine Yamal's face. His grandmother said: 'I want Spain to win,' adding that she would shout loudly if he scores.
Rayan added: 'To me, Lamine means many good things, but above all, he’s like a brother because we grew up together.'
Pedro, 83, reminisced about the past as he stood in front of a jersey of soccer player Lamine Yamal displayed on the wall of Bar El Cordobes at Rocafonda. The neighbourhood has been transformed into a hub of football culture and community pride.
The World Cup final is not just a sporting event for these residents; it’s a celebration of their shared history and identity. As the match approaches, the spirit of unity and support among the people of Rocafonda remains strong.
'Now that the moment has come when the two of them are going to play against each other, it’s incredible.'
Keba, 18-year-old resident
'I want Spain to win,' she said, adding that she would shout loudly if he scores.
Fatima Nasraoui, Yamal’s grandmother
'To me, Lamine means many good things, but above all, he’s like a brother because we grew up together.'
Rayan, 15-year-old cousin
