Robert Lewandowski Reflects on Lamine Yamal's Role in Spain's 2026 World Cup Victory
Robert Lewandowski, the former Barcelona striker, shared his thoughts on why Lamine Yamal couldn’t show his top form during Spain’s victorious run at the 2026 World Cup. Despite being a key figure in Spain’s historic success, the young talent faced some challenges.
Injury Impacted Yamal’s Form
The 19-year-old entered the tournament coming off a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined during the final phase of Barcelona’s La Liga season. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, carefully managed Yamal’s playing time in the early matches to ease him back into action. Over the course of the World Cup, Yamal made eight appearances, scored once in 616 minutes, and led the tournament with 35 successful dribbles. His efforts contributed significantly to Spain’s wins over Portugal, France, and their ultimate triumph against Argentina in the final.
Lewandowski’s Analysis of Yamal’s Game
When asked by ESPN if fans witnessed Yamal at his peak during the World Cup, Lewandowski responded frankly, saying they hadn’t. He pointed out that Yamal’s best form was two seasons ago rather than last year. The Polish forward explained, “He’s still young, came into the World Cup after an eight-week injury break. Jumping straight into World Cup games without enough training makes it tough to perform at your best.”
Despite these hurdles, Lewandowski praised Yamal’s quality and noted how well he integrated with the team. “The Spain players supported him, and he helped the team as well. Their cooperation worked perfectly,” he added.
Supporting Spain from Afar
Lewandowski’s Poland didn’t qualify for the tournament, but he openly rooted for Spain in the final against Argentina. His close friendships formed during his time at Barcelona influenced this choice. He said, “I know many Spanish players from my time at Camp Nou, so I backed them. I only personally know Leo Messi from Argentina, but since he already won a World Cup, I felt Spain deserved my support.”
The striker also expressed optimism about Spain’s future, emphasizing the youthfulness of the squad. “They were ready to win. The future looks bright for them,” Lewandowski remarked.
Looking Ahead: New Seasons and New Goals
After his international duties and a summer break, Yamal will turn his attention to regaining full fitness before the next season with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lewandowski has started a fresh chapter with Chicago Fire in MLS. Having debuted against Inter Miami CF, he aims to help his new team achieve success quickly. “I’m ready to help my teammates and club move forward and win titles,” he said.
