Lamine Yamal's Star Continues to Rise
Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been one of the standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and his display in the dramatic 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium only reinforced his growing reputation. Former Spain captain Cesar Azpilicueta and England legend Wayne Rooney were full of praise for the Barcelona winger on BBC Sport, labeling him "influential" while insisting there is "more to come" from the 18-year-old.
Azpilicueta and Rooney Heap Praise on Yamal
Speaking after Spain's last-gasp win in Los Angeles, Azpilicueta highlighted Yamal's maturity and ability to influence games beyond his years. "He's not just a young player with potential; he's already making a massive impact at the highest level," said the veteran defender. "The way he draws defenders, his decision-making in the final third—it's special." Rooney, who knows a thing or two about bursting onto the global stage as a teenager, echoed those sentiments. "He's been really influential for Spain, but you can see there's even more to give. He's fearless on the ball and has that rare ability to change a game in an instant."
The statistics back up the praise. Yamal completed 4 key passes and created two big chances against a stubborn Belgian defense, even if the decisive moment came from the bench. His quick feet and vision constantly troubled the Belgium backline, and he was instrumental in Spain's equalizer after Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury.
The Merino Magic—But Yamal the Catalyst
While Mikel Merino grabbed the headlines with his 88th-minute winner—his third late, decisive goal in major tournament knockout games—it was Yamal's tireless work that kept Spain on the front foot. The teenager frequently dropped deep to collect possession, linking midfield and attack, and his cross-field switches stretched the Belgian defense. Pundits noted that despite his age, Yamal has become a central figure in Luis de la Fuente's system, earning the trust of seasoned teammates.
Azpilicueta, who played alongside Yamal at Barcelona, added: "He has that street-football mentality. Nothing fazes him. The way he handled the occasion, against a top side like Belgium, was fantastic."
What Next for Spain and Yamal?
Spain now march on to a blockbuster semi-final against France, a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final that La Roja also won. Yamal, who scored a stunning goal in that tournament, will be expected to dazzle against a French defense that has looked vulnerable at times. Rooney believes that if Spain are to lift the trophy, Yamal must continue to be at the heart of everything. "He's got a real chance to become the player of the tournament," he told BBC Sport. "If he adds a few goals to his game, Spain will be very hard to stop."
Key Takeaways
- Lamine Yamal was hailed as "influential" by Cesar Azpilicueta and Wayne Rooney after Spain's 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.
- Rooney insists there is "more to come" from the 18-year-old forward, who created multiple chances in the match.
- Mikel Merino's late goal secured Spain's passage to the semi-finals, but Yamal's overall contribution was instrumental.
- Spain will face France in the semi-finals, a fixture that could define Yamal's tournament legacy.
- Yamal has already established himself as a key player for Spain, drawing comparisons to teenage sensations of the past like Rooney himself.
Quick Facts
Match: Spain 2-1 Belgium
Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final
Yamal's Key Passes: 4
Big Chances Created: 2
Next Fixture: Spain vs. France (Semi-Final)
Source: BBC Sport analysis with Cesar Azpilicueta and Wayne Rooney
