Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why Lamine Yamal was unable to produce his absolute best form during Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage prodigy entered the tournament following a lengthy injury layoff, but the Polish veteran praised his former team-mate’s crucial contribution to La Roja’s victory.
Injury Hinders Teenage Prodigy
Yamal entered the 2026 World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the closing stages of Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. Manager Luis de la Fuente managed his workload by limiting his minutes in the opening matches, though the 19-year-old still made eight appearances across the tournament. He scored one goal in 616 minutes and completed a tournament-high 35 dribbles, helping Spain overcome Portugal, France, and ultimately Argentina in the final.
Lewandowski Analyzes Yamal’s Form
Former Barcelona team-mate Lewandowski explained why Yamal was unable to reach his peak form in the United States. When asked if supporters had seen the young winger at his absolute best during the tournament, the veteran Polish striker told ESPN: “Honestly, no, we didn’t [see his best this tournament]. The most effective efficiency, the perfect Lamine for me, in fact, wasn’t the final season, however two seasons in the past, that was for me now the perfect model of Lamine Yamal.
“He is nonetheless younger, he got here to the World Cup after damage and he did not play for like eight weeks so it is robust should you do not play eight weeks and it’s a must to begin enjoying within the World Cup, then you do not have time for the coaching simply from sport to sport. However he confirmed actually good high quality. The Spain gamers and the group helped Lamine and Lamine additionally helped the entire group. I feel that this cooperation was good.”
Barcelona Connection Drives Help
Lewandowski, whose Poland aspect didn’t qualify for the match, admitted he cheered on Spain within the ultimate in opposition to Argentina resulting from his shut bond along with his former Camp Nou colleagues.
Explaining why he backed La Roja over Lionel Messi’s Albiceleste, the striker revealed: “I do know a whole lot of gamers from Spain and I spent a lot time in Barcelona with them, so I supported them quite a bit.
“In fact, I do know from Argentina personally solely Leo, however I do know that he gained the final World Cup. That is why I help the Spanish nationwide group as a result of should you play with them, you spend a whole lot of time collectively then it is simpler to help this group.
“I used to be completely happy as a result of I do know they had been able to win the World Cup. They’re very younger and the long run is in entrance of them.”
New Challenges Lie Forward
Following worldwide responsibility and a summer season break, Yamal will give attention to regaining peak bodily situation forward of the brand new marketing campaign with Barcelona. In the meantime, Lewandowski has launched into a brand new chapter in MLS with Chicago Hearth, making his debut in opposition to Inter Miami CF and outlining his ambition to ship quick success for his new membership: “I am prepared to do that and attempt to assist my team-mates and new membership take the following step, and in addition to win some titles.”
