Inside the medical condition preventing Lamine Yamal’s father from attending World Cup final

As 19-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal prepares to lead Spain out against Argentina in Sunday’s monumental World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, his family will be cheering wildly from the stands in New Jersey.

His mother, his younger brother, and his girlfriend have been a constant, comforting presence throughout the tournament in North America.

Yet, one vital seat in the family enclosure will remain heartbreakingly empty.

Yamal’s father, Munir Nasraoui, has revealed that a chronic medical condition has entirely prevented him from traveling to the United States to witness his son’s historic campaign in person.

Speaking candidly to Spanish television channel Antena 3, Nasraoui bared his soul regarding the silent health battle that keeps him grounded in Europe while his teenage son dominates the global stage.

For Nasraoui, the sheer physical and emotional toll of travelling across continents presents a medical risk that he simply cannot afford to take.

“I think Los Angeles is around 18,000 kilometers away from us, and it’s very difficult not to be there,” Nasraoui explained to Antena 3.

“But I have epilepsy and take a lot of medication every day.”

The proud father noted that it is not merely the grueling flight times that pose a threat, but the overwhelming psychological gravity of watching his son play in the biggest sporting event on earth.

“Sometimes I have epileptic seizures. Here I can stay calm, but over there the stress and emotions could cause an episode. I don’t want to create problems, so it’s better that I stay home and watch the match on television.”

Despite the physical distance, the bond between father and son remains unbreakable.

Nasraoui revealed an emotional phone conversation they shared after Spain punched their ticket to the final.

“Lamine called me and told me he was proud of me. I told him that I’m even more proud of him. Thank you to everyone who has helped him throughout his journey,” he said.

Epilepsy

Nasraoui’s condition, epilepsy, is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

These episodes occur due to sudden, abnormal surges of electrical activity in the brain, momentarily disrupting the central nervous system’s normal communication network.

The causes of epilepsy are highly complex and structurally varied.

In about half of all global cases, the exact cause remains unknown, resulting in a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy.

For the remaining half, the condition can be traced back to distinct structural changes or physical trauma within the brain.

These include severe head injuries, strokes, or vascular diseases that restrict oxygen to the brain, as well as brain tumors, cysts, genetic factors, or prenatal developmental disruptions.

While an individual may take daily medication to keep their condition stable, certain environmental elements can easily breach that chemical barrier.

Nasraoui’s decision to avoid the stadium aligns perfectly with neurological safety protocols.

The primary triggers that could induce a breakthrough seizure include acute emotional stress and extreme excitement – both of which are guaranteed in a high-stakes World Cup final.

Furthermore, the immense physical fatigue, circadian rhythm disruption, and jet lag associated with crossing multiple time zones to the United States are well-documented catalysts for neurological episodes.

Currently, there is no permanent cure for epilepsy. Once diagnosed, it is widely considered a lifelong condition that requires continuous medical surveillance and lifestyle adaptations, including strict sleep hygiene and stress avoidance.

However, the condition can be successfully managed to allow individuals to live fulfilling lives.

The frontline defense consists of Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs), which Nasraoui confirmed he takes in heavy daily doses.

These pharmaceuticals work by altering the chemicals in the brain to stabilize electrical activity and significantly reduce the frequency or intensity of seizures.

For individuals whose bodies do not respond well to medication, alternative treatments can include surgical interventions, such as a resection to remove the specific area of the brain causing the misfires, or the implementation of neurostimulation devices like Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).

By electing to stay home, remain calm, and watch his son chase immortality on a television screen, Munir Nasraoui is prioritising his long-term neurological survival, proving that sometimes, the greatest act of fatherly love is knowing when to step back and watch from afar.

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