Yves Bissouma hails Abdellah Ouazane as Lamine Yamal after Ajax triumph

Yves Bissouma’s jubilant greeting of Abdellah Ouazane as ‘Lamine Yamal’ underlines Ajax’s squad spirit after the Dutch side’s 2‑0 win over Atalanta, keeping their European campaign alive despite the midfielder’s ineligibility for the Champions League. The win also maintains momentum ahead of the next round.

Celebrations in the ArenA catacombs

Yves Bissouma shared superb photos on social media after the Ajax‑Atalanta encounter. The 30‑year‑old Malian midfielder waited for his teammates in the catacombs of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, capturing two intimate moments head‑to‑head. The match, part of the Conference League, ended 2‑0 in Ajax’s favour.

He greeted Abdellah Ouazane, whom he called Lamine Yamal, as the substitute scorer descended the stairs. “Lamine Yamal!” Bissouma shouted, provoking laughter from the crowd. The shout echoed through the tunnel, delighting the supporters nearby.

Tolu also received a warm welcome from the Malian, with a big smile and an embrace before the pair headed toward the dressing room. The gesture highlighted the camaraderie within the Ajax squad. Both players then proceeded to the locker room together, reinforcing the team’s unity.

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During the walk the two players conversed in French, showing the multilingual nature of the team. Their banter was captured in the photos Bissouma posted, which quickly gathered praise from fans.

Eligibility questions and future prospects

Bissouma, who joined Ajax in mid‑September after his Tottenham Hotspur contract expired in the summer, made his debut as a substitute away at FC Groningen. Because he signed after the Conference League registration deadline, he may only appear in European competition if Ajax progress to the next round. His move to Ajax followed the expiry of his Tottenham Hotspur contract in the summer, and he arrived before the summer transfer window closed.

Reports differ on the competition for which Bissouma is barred. One account states he is not authorised to play in the Ligue des Champions, while another claims he is ineligible for the Conference League. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of UEFA registration rules for mid‑season signings.

Should Ajax advance, the midfielder could finally feature on the continental stage, adding depth to a side that already secured a 2‑0 victory over Atalanta. Ajax will next face their upcoming European opponent, with Bissouma hoping to earn his first continental appearance.