Nico Williams’ ‘partner in crime’ at EURO 2024 displays flags of his parents’ African heritage on his boots

One of Spain's rising football stars Lamine Yamal, who has been in fine form alongside Nico Williams at the EURO 2024, has sparked debates with his choice of boots at the tournament.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Barcelona’s Yamal has proudly displayed the flags of his parents' African countries on the sides of his footwear.

The 16-year-old was born in Barcelona to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother and opted to feature the flags of both Morocco and Equatorial Guinea on his boots as he took to the pitch for Spain.

Yamal, who became Spain's youngest-ever Euros player when he debuted earlier this month, has clearly divided loyalties when it comes to international allegiance.

While the youngster has chosen to represent his birthplace of Spain at the tournament, he's made the bold move of paying tribute to his family's heritage on his boots.

The flags of Morocco, his father's homeland, and Equatorial Guinea, his mother's country, can be seen on either side of Yamal's customised footwear per a post by ESPN on social media.

Fans have been left divided by the teenager's gesture, with some praising him for honouring his diverse background, while others have accused him of a lack of loyalty to Spain.

Irrespective of Yamal's boot choice, which could see him face plenty of questions about his divided international allegiances in the coming days, the Barcelona wonderkid has impressed at the EURO 2024.

With one assist and two starts in two matches, the youngster and his fellow African Williams, have combined to inspire Spain to the knockout stage after two matches.