He is only 21 years old, but Omar El Hilali (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 2003) conveys a maturity inappropriate for his age. His father arrived in Spain without papers from a town near Tangier in the 90s and after working as a seasonal worker in different towns, he reunited with his wife and three children in the Santa Eulèlia neighborhood of L’Hospitalet, where they still live. Omar and two other brothers were born there. Guided by his family, the boy became a soccer player and, more than that, a committed person who asks for empathy from a society that too often criminalizes migrants from Africa. A player who wants to transcend at Espanyol, but whose vocation is that of a teacher, a degree that he intends to study in the future.
Offers
“I rejected Barça twice on the advice of my parents and I don’t regret it”
Where does your relationship with football come from?
From my family. We are six brothers and we have all played. My father also played in Morocco, I guess it runs in my blood.
What is your first memory as a footballer?
When I was 4 years old I started playing in a club. I remember that in the first training session they punished me for misbehaving. I was already looking forward too much.
Did you spend many hours playing in the street?
In squares, parks… they scolded you for playing where you shouldn’t, the police came… [entre risas]. It helped me to have that street robbery.
“I like the trick of putting him a little to the extreme so that he knows that it will be difficult for him to enter on my side.”
Did you reject Barça?
When I signed for Espanyol (when I was 13 from Santa Eulàlia) I also had an offer from Barça. I had no idea about clubs and I was guided by my parents. They told me that Espanyol was where I had the most future and I have no regrets.
Did they tempt him more times?
Two years later Barça called me again and also Manchester United. But I was very comfortable here and I didn’t even think about it.
He made his debut at the age of 17, but it was difficult for him to establish himself in the first team.
It is very difficult to get there. I was only in the youth team for one year. But in the subsidiary there was a time when I was not clear and I considered leaving.
What do you remember from your debut?
It was the time of covid, in Albacete. I was a kid and I was sitting on the bench cold. I couldn’t even warm up. But with the desire I suddenly came out hot [entre risas].
People leave Morocco because things are not going well. Many people live from day to day and like one day something goes wrong…”
In his first year he had to dance with Vinícius and Raphinha. The latter was given a hard time in the derby.
I wasn’t going to roll out a red carpet for it! When a winger tells me, ‘leave me alone’, or ‘that’s annoying’, it means I’m doing it right. I like the trick of putting him a little to the extreme so that he knows that it will be difficult for him to enter through my wing.
Do you think Spain is racist?
My opinion is that it is not. My parents came from Morocco and have never experienced a racist episode. This is a country that welcomes people from outside very well. But it is true that if someone comes from abroad to commit crimes instead of working, that minimum number of people stains the image of an entire country.
You suffered a racist incident in Cartagena.
I didn’t want to give it importance. I think the more you push them, it seems to be affecting you. But it didn’t affect me.
His father was a seasonal worker when he arrived in Spain. Has his story inspired you?
People leave Morocco because things are not going well. Many people live day to day and if one day things go wrong… My father came looking for the best for our family and I am very grateful to him.
“As I arrived a little late, my day is complicated.”
There are many people who are against immigration because they receive a lot of aid.
I always say that when they give help it will be for a reason. If they give you help it is because you are in need.
Have you become independent now that you play in the first team?
I still live with my parents. I still can’t do what I want [entre risas]. I receive calls from my mother at eight in the afternoon… In fact she just called me ‘why is it taking me so long’ (it’s 1:30 p.m.). I am one more in my house. It doesn’t matter if he plays football. Since I’m a little late, my day is complicated. [entre risas].
I guess it helps financially at home.
When you are a footballer, economically things change. Because of all the suffering they have gone through, I try to ensure that they do not lack anything now. Also with my little brothers, although not at any price. They have to know that I am a footballer, but I will not give them things done. They have to learn that things in life cost, as happened to my parents.
Educating is not easy.
My parents are very aware that if money goes to your head… but that’s not my case. Life changes very quickly. There are many cases of people who have had everything and lost it. You have to make an effort because life is going to hit you until you learn.
In the long term I want to fight so that at some point, sooner rather than later, this club has one more title.”
Are you still living your neighborhood life?
I go to the same places I went when I was little. I think it will be difficult for me to leave the neighborhood and live in another area.
Why did you choose to play for Morocco instead of Spain?
It was my decision. That’s how I felt. I also believed that my parents would be proud that I played for their country. When we won the Africa Cup I saw their faces and realized that it had been an incredible success.
When did they call you for the first time?
At 14 years old. I didn’t expect it. I went from not knowing anything to spending a month and a half in Algeria. It was a life experience.
He has coincided in the first team with a generation of youth players. Has that made things easier for you?
With some we have grown together. I grew up being Javi Puado’s ball boy and I would ask him for photos. Playing with a friend makes your confidence different. In the field it is very noticeable.
A dream with Espanyol.
This year we will stay in the First Division, but in the long term I want to fight so that at some point, sooner rather than later, this club has one more title.
#Hilali #Spain #racist #welcomes #people
