Five-time UCL winning Real Madrid legend says his kids are more excited about meeting Lamine Yamal than his Spain return | OneFootball

Isco Alarcón, the Real Betis midfielder and former Real Madrid star, has made a triumphant return to the Spanish national team after a six-year absence, joining the squad for the UEFA Nations League Final Four. However, it’s his heartwarming comments about Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal that have stolen the spotlight.

In a video released by the Spanish Football Federation, Isco shared a charming anecdote about his children’s excitement surrounding his national team comeback. “My younger kids have never seen me with the national team. My eldest has, but they’re more excited about me meeting Lamine than about seeing me with La Roja,” Isco revealed with a smile.

The Málaga-born playmaker, who has chosen the number 22 shirt for Spain, added, “I’m also excited that they’ll get to see me with the national team.”

Isco’s Children Idolize Lamine Yamal Over His Spain Comeback

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal celebrates after winning the Copa del Rey. Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Isco’s mention of Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid who has taken the football world by storm, underscores the young superstar’s growing influence.

Yamal’s meteoric rise has not only captivated fans and football legends like Zinedine Zidane but evidently left an impression on Isco’s children, who see meeting the young winger as a bigger deal than their father’s return to the international stage.

Reflecting on his journey back to the national team, Isco spoke candidly about the challenges he’s faced, including two surgeries in the past year:

“There are moments of doubt, especially when things don’t go your way, but that’s where the importance of persistence comes in — of keeping at it, of not giving up. Passion is what brought me back here.”

“Life can hit you when you least expect it. I went through the injury and had to undergo two surgeries because the first plate didn’t hold properly. Just another bump in the road to overcome. But I also went through it with a level of maturity that helped me a lot.”

A Mature Isco’s Emotional Return to La Roja

(Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Now a more mature player, the five-time Champions League-winning former Real Madrid midfielder aims to continue showcasing his signature flair:

“I’m a more mature Isco now. Overall, I try to stay the same kind of player — to keep enjoying the game, to show what I have inside, to try and move people with my football. I’m very happy to keep doing what I love and to be back with the national team. I hope this isn’t just a one-off call-up.”

Isco also credited his family for their unwavering support:

As Spain prepares for the Nations League Final Four, Isco’s return adds experience and creativity to the squad. However, for Barcelona fans, it’s his nod to Lamine Yamal that resonates most, highlighting the young star’s growing legacy both on and off the pitch.