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Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why Lamine Yamal was unable to produce his best form during Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph. The teenage prodigy entered the tournament after a lengthy injury absence, but the Polish veteran praised his former teammate’s crucial contribution to La Roja’s victory.
Injury hampers teenage prodigy
Yamal entered the 2026 World Cup having recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined during the latter stages of Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. Coach Luis de la Fuente managed his workload by limiting his minutes in the early matches, although the 19-year-old still made eight appearances throughout the tournament. He scored one goal in 616 minutes and completed 35 dribbles, a tournament record, helping Spain defeat Portugal, France and ultimately Argentina in the final.
Lewandowski analyzes Yamal’s form
Former Barcelona teammate Lewandowski has explained why Yamal was unable to reach his peak in the United States. Asked if fans had seen the young winger at his best during the tournament, the veteran Polish striker told ESPN: “Honestly, no, we haven’t [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, it was not last season, but two seasons ago it was for me now the best version of Lamine Yamal.
“He’s still young, he came to the World Cup after an injury and he didn’t play for eight weeks, so it’s difficult if you don’t play eight weeks and you have to start playing the World Cup, then you don’t have time to train just from one game to the next. But he showed very good quality. The Spanish players and the team helped Lamine and Lamine also helped the whole team. I think this cooperation was perfect.”
Barcelona connection boosts support
Lewandowski, whose Polish side failed to qualify for the tournament, admitted to cheering for Spain in the final against Argentina because of his close ties with his former Camp Nou colleagues.
Explaining why he supported La Roja against Lionel Messi’s Albiceleste, the striker revealed: “I know a lot of Spanish players and I spent so much time at Barcelona with them, so I supported them a lot.
“Of course, I only know Leo personally in Argentina, but I know he won the last World Cup. That’s why I support the Spanish national team, because if you play with them, you spend a lot of time together, so it’s easier to support this team.
“I was happy because I know they were ready to win the World Cup. They are very young and the future is ahead of them.”
New challenges await us
After his international duty and a summer break, Yamal will focus on his optimal fitness ahead of the new campaign with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lewandowski began a new chapter in MLS with the Chicago Fire, making his debut against Inter Miami CF and emphasizing his ambition to bring immediate success to his new club: “I’m ready to do that and try to help my teammates and my new club take the next step, and also win titles.”
