Luis de la Fuente lauds Yamal’s humility after Spain’s dominant win
Spain defeated Croatia 4‑1 on Tuesday the 29th, with 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal providing the spark. The winger opened the scoring with a delicate lob, set up Marc Pubill for the second goal and added a third from a tight angle. The match took place at the Ramon Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville.
Coach de la Fuente on Yamal’s character
Luis de la Fuente said the youngster’s humility impressed him more than his decisive flair. “Lamine is very eager to keep growing and show the world the type of player he is,” the coach explained. “He is so humble that it makes him even bigger, and we use his magic for the team.”
Nico Williams, Yamal’s teammate at Athletic Bilbao, echoed the praise. “When Lamine smiles, he plays better,” he said. “May he continue being himself and enjoy the game – he is a special player.”
Celebrations in Seville
After the win, the Spanish side displayed the World Cup trophy to the crowd at the Ramon Sánchez Pizjuán. Lamine Yamal celebrated, saying, “We are very happy to bring the cup here, show it to the supporters and win and bring it home. It was great.” The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered the young winger.
Spanish press hails Lamine Yamal as undisputed Ballon d'Or candidate
Ballon d’Or race heats up
Yamal’s two goals and an assist this season place him among the early favourites for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in less than a month. He told reporters that the accolade does not depend on him, but he hopes to keep performing at this level. Nico Williams added, “The Ballon d’Or does not depend on him, but that he continues playing like this and I hope he wins.”
The voting panel of one hundred journalists for France Football closed on Monday the 28th. Spain’s Yamal joins French forward Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, England’s Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, and other candidates such as Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembélé, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Rodri. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring as Nations League heats up in Seville
In the coming weeks Yamal, Mbappé and other contenders will face a flurry of interviews as they campaign for the prize. Their performances this season will continue to be scrutinised by fans and pundits alike.