Lamine Yamal Outshines Mbappé in Spain’s 5-4 UEFA Nations League Win Over
In a semifinal clash that had everything, goals, drama, and no shortage of star power, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal stole the spotlight and maybe even the headlines for the rest of the tournament. Spain’s rising phenom put on a clinic, bagging two goals (including a penalty he earned himself) and leading La Roja to a wild 5-4 win over France.
Yeah, you read that right — 5-4.
From the very first minute, the match buzzed with intensity. Big names like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé were on the pitch, but it was the teenager from Barcelona who lit it up. While France’s stars struggled to get into gear, Yamal looked like he’d been doing this for years, weaving past defenders, creating space, and finishing with calm precision.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente couldn’t hold back his admiration after the game:
Lamine Yamal has made a statement tonight... He’s the best player in the world and, in my opinion, deserves the Ballon d’Or.
Big words, but after that performance? Hard to argue.
Lamine Yamal’s MVP Night Fuels Ballon d’Or Hype
Let’s be real, this wasn’t just any semifinal win. It felt like a passing-of-the-torch moment. Yamal, just 17, stood tall among world-class talent and didn’t just keep up, he owned the night. Being named MVP in a match like this? That’s not luck. That’s presence.
Still, when asked about all the Ballon d’Or chatter, Yamal kept it cool:
The best thing is to talk on the pitch.
And that’s exactly what he did.
His first goal came from a foul he drew in the box, then he stepped up, looked the keeper dead in the eye, and slotted it home. Ice cold. A few minutes later, he added a thunderous second that left France’s goalkeeper rooted. But beyond the goals, his movement, vision, and maturity were beyond his years. He made the game look, well, kind of easy.
Meanwhile, Dembélé barely got going and was subbed off early in the second half. Mbappé had a late assist, but didn’t really put his stamp on the game. And suddenly, everyone’s wondering if the next generation isn’t just coming, maybe it’s already here.
Next Stop: Portugal
With France in the rearview mirror, Spain now turns its focus to the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on June 8. Riding this momentum, and with Yamal playing like a seasoned veteran, Spain’s chances look strong.
The hype isn’t just coming from fans, either. Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán chimed in, calling Yamal’s rise “historic,” adding that the teenager has “already achieved more at 17 than most players dream of.” Not hyperbole, just facts.
Pundits, players, coaches, they’re all lining up to praise his poise, his leadership, and yeah, his jaw-dropping skill.
Final Thoughts: Meet Spain’s New No. 10
Let’s be honest: we might look back on this Spain vs France thriller as the night a superstar truly arrived. Yamal’s performance wasn’t just good, it was unforgettable. The kid’s got the swagger, the skill, and the humility that fans love. And the scary part? He’s just getting started.
Whether or not he snags the Ballon d’Or this year, one thing’s crystal clear: Lamine Yamal isn’t just the future of Spanish football, he might be the future of the whole sport.
So if you missed this match, do yourself a favour and catch the highlights. A star was born, and his name’s already echoing through the football world.
