Lamine Yamal has achieved a historic feat in football, becoming the youngest player ever to win both the European Championship and the World Cup. The 19-year-old Spanish winger played a key role in Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, which was decided in extra time.
Yamal's performance in the final drew significant praise. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart commented that the Barcelona winger had "completed football" by adding a World Cup title to his European Championship win. Hart noted Yamal's composure under pressure from the opposing team throughout the match, stating he "stayed real cool" despite intense challenges.
Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, also lauded Yamal's contribution, highlighting his great football and sacrifice for the collective good of the squad. "In my opinion he played a great World Cup," de la Fuente said.
Despite a lingering hamstring concern that affected his attacking output, Yamal started seven of Spain's eight World Cup matches, winning all of them. This record extends to his European Championship appearances, where he also started six games and won them all, marking an unbroken streak of 13 major tournament starts without a loss. Although his teammate Pau Cubarsí received the FIFA Young Player award, Yamal's influence on Spain's championship run was described as absolute.
In a symbolic moment following the final, Yamal was seen embracing a tearful Lionel Messi. The image of the 19-year-old phenom consoling the 39-year-old icon, who wore the iconic Barcelona number 10 shirt that Yamal also sports for his club, was seen as a passing of the torch in the sport.
Returning to club football with Barcelona, Yamal reinforces his status as one of the game's most promising young stars. With continued faith from the national team coach, he is expected to remain a central figure in Spain's continued success on the world stage.