Spain’s Lamine Yamal is still a teenager, but his football is making grown men look ordinary.
And after a stunning performance in Spain’s 5-4 win over France in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, he had a few calm but telling words about the Ballon d’Or race — and a certain French rival.
Yamal scored twice in a wild nine-goal match that had fans holding their breath. The Barcelona winger ran the show against a France side stacked with big names like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
It was more than just a semifinal — it felt like a dress rehearsal for individual glory.
“I always say the same thing to my mom,” Yamal said after the game (via RTVE).
“That I try to give my all. That is what motivates me and what gets me up in the morning. It is why I play football. It’s always best to speak on the pitch.”
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What Lamine Yamal said about his Ballon d’Or competitor Ousmane Dembele?
Heading into the match, talk centered around the Ballon d’Or race. Yamal, and Dembele both are considered strong contenders for this year’s race.
While Dembele had a fine season with PSG winning the quadruple. Yamal had an outstanding campaign with Barcelona, winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
And in process they even defeated Real Madrid four times. While Lamine Yamal shone again for Spain yesterday.
He didn’t just score — he took charge. At just 17, he guided Spain through a tense match where they nearly let a 5-1 lead slip. France came roaring back, but Spain held firm. And Yamal’s calm finish and confident play proved vital.
Dembele, for all his talent, struggled to make an impact. Yamal, respectful as ever, still tipped his hat. “Dembele’s a great player, we saw that in the Champions League, but I am happy that we’re the ones in the final.”
Next up, Yamal and Spain face Portugal — and possibly Cristiano Ronaldo — for the UEFA Nations League title. Another stage, another spotlight. And if he shines again, the Ballon d’Or might be more than just talk.
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