Spanish head coach Luis de La Fuente praised Lamin Yamal after he made a significant impact during the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, leading Spain to a thrilling 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart.
The 17-year-old Yamal netted two goals as Spain raced to a 5-1 lead, although France mounted a late comeback. This win secured Spain’s place in the final against Portugal on Sunday.
The match was viewed as a showdown between Yamal and France’s Ousmane Dembélé, with both being prominent forwards for Barcelona and PSG, respectively.
“Lamin Yamal made a statement tonight, making it clear he deserves the Ballon d’Or,” de La Fuente remarked to RTVE after Yamal was named the game’s MVP.
“He is, in my view, the best player in the world and truly deserving of the Ballon d’Or.” Before the match, Yamal expressed excitement over the semi-final being framed as a competition for the prestigious award.
Though not directly involved in affecting Les Bleus, he played a crucial role in setting up the first goal scored by Nico Williams, with Mikel Merino adding another for Spain before the half. The young talent then scored twice after the break, countering efforts from France’s Kylian Mbappé as Spain established a comfortable lead.
Meanwhile, Dembélé was substituted shortly after Spain scored their fifth goal, having little impact on the match just five days after PSG’s Champions League triumph.
“I always tell my mother that I give it my all,” Yamal remarked to RTVE when asked about how his performance impacts his Ballon d’Or prospects. “That’s my motivation and the reason I wake up every day to play football. I believe actions speak louder than words. Dembélé is truly a fantastic player.”
De La Fuente was not the only one advocating for Yamal’s Ballon d’Or candidacy post-match. Athletic Club winger Williams expressed his hope that Yamal wins, while RFEF president Rafael Luzan stated that the young player’s performance “proves” he deserves the accolade.
“It’s not just about the two goals; it’s all the contributions he makes on the field,” Luzan stated. “He never ceases to amaze us. There’s a long journey ahead for him, and I hope he receives the recognition he has earned.”
While Yamal shined, Spain had to fend off a late threat from France, who came within one goal thanks to Rayan Cherki’s stunning strike, an own goal from Dani Vivian, and a header from Randal Kolo Muani. Ultimately, however, time was not on their side.
“France is a formidable team filled with world-class talent. It’s natural for them to challenge you,” Yamal concluded. “They have players who keep pressing until the end, but we are thrilled with the victory.”
Spain, the reigning champions and last summer’s European Championship winners, will face Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in the final in Munich on Sunday, while France will take on the host nation Germany in the third-place playoff.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the rise of young talent like Lamin Yamal, which could signal a shift in the football landscape. His performances not only elevate Spain’s chances of glory but also raise the stakes in the race for individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or, inspiring upcoming generations.
