Robert Lewandowski, formerly of Barcelona, has offered insight into why Lamine Yamal did not perform at his absolute best during Spain's victorious 2026 World Cup campaign. Despite the teenage sensation's crucial contributions, Lewandowski noted that Yamal was still recovering from a significant injury.
Yamal entered the World Cup following a hamstring injury that ended his club season prematurely. Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, managed his minutes carefully in the initial matches. However, the 19-year-old still appeared in eight games throughout the tournament, scoring one goal and leading all players with 35 successful dribbles. Spain ultimately defeated Portugal, France, and Argentina to claim the title.
Lewandowski, speaking to ESPN, stated that while Yamal showed good quality, the team's support was instrumental. "Honestly, no, we didn't [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, wasn't the last season, but two seasons ago, that was for me now the best version of Lamine Yamal," Lewandowski said. He elaborated, "He's still young, he came to the World Cup after injury and he didn't play for like eight weeks so it's tough if you don't play eight weeks and you have to start playing in the World Cup, then you don't have time for the training just from game to game."
Lewandowski, whose Polish national team did not qualify for the tournament, admitted he supported Spain in the final due to his past connections with Barcelona teammates. "I know a lot of players from Spain and I spent so much time in Barcelona with them, so I supported them a lot," he explained. "I was happy because I know they were ready to win the World Cup. They are very young and the future is in front of them."
Following the international competition and a subsequent break, Yamal is expected to focus on regaining full fitness for the upcoming season with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lewandowski has begun a new chapter in Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, expressing his ambition to help his new club achieve success.