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Sports Desk, June 6, 2025 : At just 17 years old, Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal is carving his name into European football history. In Thursday night’s thrilling 5-4 victory over France in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, the young winger scored twice, stealing the spotlight. His stellar performance left Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente in awe, prompting him to declare Yamal a worthy candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
The semifinal clash between Spain and France was a goal-fest, with Yamal playing a pivotal role. Spain’s goals came from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Pedri, and Yamal, who netted from a penalty in the 54th minute and struck again in the 67th to secure the win. Despite a late comeback attempt by France, La Roja held firm to clinch the victory.
Yamal’s remarkable stats—18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches for club and country—have thrust him into the Ballon d’Or conversation, even surpassing France’s Ousmane Dembélé in the eyes of many. “He’s shown his worth,” said de la Fuente. “For me, he’s the best footballer in the world and fully deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
With this win, Spain advances to the Nations League final, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Sunday. Both teams boast formidable attacking lineups, and de la Fuente is optimistic that Yamal could once again be the difference-maker in what promises to be an electrifying final.
Yamal’s performance has opened new doors on the grand stage. Whether he can claim the coveted Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but his coach’s words send a clear message: Lamine Yamal is a star on the rise, and he’s only just begun.
AI/MR
