Fermin Lopez recalls Lamine Yamal's missed World Cup jersey surprise

During the La Liga clash at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia on 6 September 2026, Barcelona’s Spanish forward Lamine Yamal celebrated his team’s opening goal by embracing midfielder Fermin Lopez, the two linking up in the #10 and #07 shirts together.

World Cup gesture revealed

AFP via Getty Images reported that Lopez, sidelined by a fractured metatarsal, missed the World Cup and was left heart‑broken ahead of the tournament. He explained that Lamine Yamal had prepared a special jersey for him in case he scored, a plan that never materialised.

“Obviously, they’re my teammates at the club, and we talked often,” Lopez told. “I probably spoke more with Lamine, and I know that one day, during a match, he had a jersey ready for me in case he scored, but he couldn’t. The gesture is there, the photographer told me about it, and it’s a very nice touch that unfortunately didn’t come to fruition.”

Lopez also praised their on‑field chemistry, saying, “He’s a friend, and I try to make things easier for him and take advantage of the fact that he draws a lot of players in, and I try to exploit the spaces. I try to give him a lot of passes, to make him feel comfortable, and I think we understand each other very well.”

Both players are currently on international duty with Spain and are preparing for the Nations League clash against England on Saturday, adding another chapter to their partnership in the Spanish league and beyond.