World Cup 2026: Yamal recounts his role before Ferran's goal

In an interview with Movistar+ published today, Lamine Yamal explains how, without scoring, he played a decisive role in Spain's 1‑0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, by drawing two defenders before Ferran Torres's goal.

The final score, Spain 1‑0 Argentina, reflects Ferran Torres's sole goal, but Yamal stresses that he was one of the key men in La Roja's success this summer in the United States. He says his ball movement created the decisive opening.

"People don't realize it, but on Ferran's goal in the final, just with my ball control, I draw two defenders and Pedro Porro can cross on his own," Yamal said. He adds that these actions "don't show up in the statistics," but are recognised by connoisseurs.

Yamal is convinced that without his prior work the goal would not have existed. According to him, Ferran Torres gave the whole country its second star, but that would have only been possible after Yamal's effort in drawing the defenders.

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A record season and the Ballon d’Or

World champion with Spain and La Liga winner with Barça, the 19‑year‑old prodigy describes his season as "incredible". He ranks among the favorites for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on October 26 in London.

"In my view, Mbappé and I are the two best players in the world," Yamal asserts. He notes that, for him, the Ballon d’Or should go to the best player, without specifying whom he means.

The French captain's point of view

On his side, the captain of the France team, unnamed, considers himself legitimate to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time, after becoming this summer the all‑time top scorer in World Cup history. He reminds that he finished as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, yet without securing any collective trophy.

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Yamal concludes by stating that those who know football recognise his influence, even if it does not appear in the statistics, and he awaits the Ballon d’Or verdict with confidence.