Lamine Yamal celebrated his 19th birthday on Monday, yet he is already regarded as the world’s top young striker.
Following an outstanding 2023‑24 campaign with Barcelona, he secured a place in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. Like Mbappé did in 2018, Yamal shone in his first major tournament, helping his country achieve notable success.
He finished as the Ballon d’Or runner‑up at 18, but a hamstring injury sustained in April disrupted his preparations for the World Cup.
With only one goal in five starts, Yamal has yet to match the impact of Mbappé, Messi or Jude Bellingham.
“I ask him to be calm,” said manager Luis de la Fuente. “He came of age last year. He is 19. neki Imagine I simply told him to stay calm, enjoy himself, and set aside any anxiety. He should relish the game. The big moment for Lamine at this World Cup still awaits.”
Yamal XK and Nico Williams’ fitness concerns have prompted Luis de la Fuente to adjust Spain’s approach—shifting from a wing‑centric chaos to a more controlled style.
“It means Yamal is operating with less space, facing double‑tackles by defenders, and the overall dynamism of Spain’s game is reduced,” explains Spanish journalist Ruairidh Barlow.
“So, to a certain extent, it’s logical that he isn’t dazzling. What De la Fuente and Spain require from him—reliance on game control and a solid defence—are two to three moments per match where he can unsettle or unlock the opposition. So far, he’s delivered that.”
De la Fuente reinforced this view before Yamal won more duels than any of his teammates in the quarter‑final victory over Belgium.
“This is the moment for him,” the manager said. “Not a time to score a dozen goals, but a moment to be decisive in decisive matches.”
The strength of this Spain side lies in its collective, yet there remains a respect for the 19‑year‑old.
“We sometimes forget his age and perhaps we demand too much of him, but he’s incredibly capable,” Xavi, who gave Yamal his Barcelona debut, wrote in The Athletic.external
“He has such an ability to perform a multitude of tasks on the pitch that his influence has grown. Teammates seek him out. When challenges arise at various stages, the ball is passed to Lamine.”
“He’s a leader on the field who makes a difference at a young age—something we’ve seen only with Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and perhaps Ronaldo (Nazario).”
“The next 15 to 20 years belong to Lamine, if he chooses to take it.”