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Lamine Yamal received rave reviews after helping Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final.
The 19-year-old produced another composed display on football’s biggest stage, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart claiming the Barcelona winger had “finished football” after adding a World Cup winner’s medal to his European Championship triumph.
The passing of the torch in New York
In a moment that will go down in football history, Yamal embraced a tearful Lionel Messi at the end of the World Cup final at New Jersey Stadium in New York.
The images were impossible to ignore; a passing of the torch from a 39-year-old icon to a 19-year-old phenomenon. Yamal, sporting Barcelona’s number 10 jersey for his club, offered consolation to the man who arguably defined that very jersey.
La Roja’s 1-0 victory, secured by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, allowed Yamal to become the youngest player to win both the European Championship and the World Cup. At just 19 years and six days old, he achieved what many legends fail to accomplish in their lifetime.
Hart and De la Fuente praise teen star
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart highlighted Yamal’s composure after the teenager was repeatedly challenged by the Argentine throughout the final.
THE BBC Sport The expert said: “Not only did Lamine Yamal not react. He resisted. He wasn’t shaken and he didn’t back down. He had the whole team trying to crush him. He just remained very cool. It was a truly remarkable performance from him. Lamine Yamal is 19 years old. What a great day for him. He is 19 years old and finished football.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also praised the youngster’s contribution after the victory.
“He played excellent football which will help him mature and become a better footballer than he already is. He really sacrificed for the collective good. That’s very important in my team. In my opinion, he played a great World Cup.”
The perfect entry to Spain
Despite entering the competition with concerns over a hamstring injury, Yamal started seven of Spain’s eight matches at the 2026 World Cup and won each of them.
This ongoing problem seemed to hamper his usual offensive production, resulting in a somewhat disappointing personal campaign with just one goal. Ultimately, his calmer tournament allowed his teammate Pau Cubarsà to propel him to the FIFA Young Player award.
Yet Yamal’s influence on the team’s historic success has been absolute. Added to his six starts at Euro 2024, he has now won his 13 starts in major tournaments.
This flawless streak is the longest perfect streak for a European starter in the history of major tournaments. His ability to balance individual excellence with defensive discipline and tactical awareness has made him the undisputed jewel in Spain’s crown as it returns to the pinnacle of world football.
Yamal seeks to build on historic success
Yamal will now return to club football after cementing his status as one of football’s brightest young stars after adding a World Cup winner’s medal to his European Championship triumph.
At just 19 years old, the Barcelona winger has already amassed a remarkable haul of trophies. As De la Fuente continues to place his faith in him, Yamal looks set to remain at the heart of Spain’s new era as the world champions aim to build on their latest success.
