MADRID (AP) – Despite being only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal will take on the responsibilities of a veteran when Spain takes part. world cup Aiming for his second world title.
This genius player has been attracting attention both on and off the field as La Roja’s top star for the past few years.
He contributed to the prosperity of Spain and Barcelona, earning him accolades. He made headlines by waving a Palestinian flag at the title celebration. He has been criticized for hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers for his lavish 18th birthday party.
and he was prompted national concern He was injured a few weeks before the soccer showcase event, which put his participation in the tournament in doubt.
Yamal is participate in the world cup After all, it’s a first for the teenager considered by many to be the successor to the one and only Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Many expect him to perform well in the North American tournament and completely break out on the international soccer scene.
“The time has finally come,” Yamal said in an interview with the Spanish Football Federation after the match. spain world cup national team It was announced on May 25th.
Up-and-coming star limps into first World Cup
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente showed no hesitation in including Yamal into his squad, even though there was no guarantee early on that Yamal would be 100% fit after injuring his left hamstring at Barcelona in April. Yamal himself said so I was scared Regarding missing the World Cup.
De la Fuente told Yamal last week: likely to be ready He wanted to play from the start, but also asked to be “cautious” about the expectations surrounding the young star.
“He’s only 18 years old,” the manager told Movistar after announcing the squad. “He’s already very mature as a player and we can’t even fully understand his potential at the moment, but we have to give him the time he needs, especially now that he’s coming back from injury. He’s already very mature as a player.”
“We just hope he can do the job, but we won’t put any more pressure on him. We know that the media attention is on him, that football fans all over the world are watching him, and obviously he’s already a reference in Spain,” de la Fuente said. “We are going to give him everything he needs to grow and perform with confidence.”
Yamal, who said he was already used to the pressure that was put on him, had been active in Spanish football for some time, showing exceptional talent on the ball and as a playmaker. He made his debut for Barcelona at the age of 15, becoming the youngest player to appear in the Spanish league for the Catalan club.
Since then, he has played in four seasons in the Spanish league, and this year tied Ferran Torres for the club’s goalscoring total with 16, while also leading the league in assists and dribbles. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
Yamal said in an interview with the Spanish Football Federation after the squad was announced: “In my head I feel like I’ve been playing for 10 years, but in reality it’s only been three years.Four years ago I was playing at a local sports center.” “When you think about it, it’s crazy for a kid like that to play in the World Cup.”
It didn’t take long for Yamal’s talent to earn him selection for the national team as well. He was 16 years old when he made his first-team debut in 2023, becoming the youngest player ever to play and score for Spain. A year later, he became the youngest player to compete in the European Championship, helping Spain win the title and being named the tournament’s best young player.
The spotlight on Yamal extends beyond the pitch
Yamal’s jersey is the best-selling jersey in Spain and is considered one of the most popular jerseys around the world.
However, his fame did not come without controversy.
The comments by Yamal, who is a Muslim and whose father is Moroccan, attracted headlines around the world. waved the Palestinian flag At Barcelona’s title celebration after winning the Spanish league in May. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick questioned the youngster’s decision at the time, and Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz later criticized Yamal, saying he was inciting “hatred”.
Last year, Yamal faced the following backlash: A person with dwarfism was hired Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to open an investigation into the employment and arrest of celebrities. Yamal denied any wrongdoing and later said he had the right to enjoy life while not playing for Barcelona.
At the World Cup, Yamal will once again be in the spotlight as he leads the Spanish team, which has bounced back from the last 16. Exclusion by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup Euro 2024 winner In Germany. La Roja too Won the Nations League in 2023 And it was The runner-up is Portugal In the 2025 edition.
Spain have not made it past the last 16 at a World Cup since their only win in 2010.
The opening game of this year’s Group H will be against Cape Verde on June 15th in Atlanta. They will then face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on June 21st and Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico on June 26th.
Yamal, who said he had dreamed of lifting the World Cup trophy “1,000 times in his bedroom”, can’t wait to embark on Spain’s quest for glory.
“I’ve been thinking about this day ever since the European Championships ended and I’m really excited. I’m going into the tournament as European champions and I’m going to give it my all.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
