Spain winger Lamine Yamal has the chance to achieve something very few footballers have managed. The 17-year-old hopes to follow in the footsteps of France captain Kylian Mbappe by winning the FIFA World Cup as a teenager.
However, before dreaming about lifting the trophy, Yamal and Spain must first overcome France in a highly anticipated semi-final on Tuesday.
Mbappe made history during the 2018 FIFA World Cup when he scored in France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final. At just 19 years and 207 days old, he became only the second teenager after Brazilian legend Pele to score in a World Cup final. That tournament established Mbappe as one of football’s biggest stars.
Now, Yamal is looking to create a similar story in his first-ever World Cup.
Yamal Already Knows How to Trouble France
Spain’s teenage sensation has already delivered against France on the biggest European stage.
During the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, Yamal scored a stunning long-range goal to inspire Spain to a 2-1 comeback victory over France. The memorable strike came only four days before his 17th birthday.
Spain went on to defeat England in the final, while Yamal received the Young Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding performances.
This time, another major challenge awaits him. Interestingly, Yamal will celebrate his 19th birthday on the eve of the World Cup semi-final, adding even more significance to the occasion.
Injury Scare Before the World Cup
Yamal almost missed the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury during the closing stages of Barcelona’s season.
The youngster admitted he feared the injury could end his World Cup dream.
“I was afraid it might be serious and, above all, that even if it wasn’t serious, I could suffer a setback and end up missing the World Cup,” Yamal said.
Fortunately for Spain, he recovered in time.
One Goal So Far, But Yamal Continues to Impress
Spain began their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde. Yamal came off the bench in that match before making his first start against Saudi Arabia.
He scored in Spain’s 4-0 victory before being substituted at half-time. Since then, he has started every match but has not added another goal.
Even so, his performances have remained influential. His pace, dribbling and creativity continue to trouble defenders, although Spain captain Rodri believes the youngster is putting too much pressure on himself.
“I think Lamine needs to calm the anxiety he sometimes has because he wants to show how important a player he is for us,” Rodri said.
He also praised Yamal’s maturity, saying the winger has continued to develop after his impressive performances at Euro 2024.
France Arrive With Dangerous Attack Led by Mbappe
While Spain have relied on teamwork and disciplined football, France have rediscovered their attacking strength during this tournament.
Mbappe has been the driving force behind their campaign. The French captain has already scored eight goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
He is also just one goal behind Messi’s all-time World Cup record of 21 goals.
France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final after winning the tournament in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Mbappe has made it clear that helping France win another title is his biggest priority.
“I know people talk about the stats. But my only focus is on helping the team and getting us back here on July 19,” he said after France defeated Sweden.
He later added that although he has already won a World Cup, he believes the current French squad has enormous potential.
Yamal Holds the Recent Edge Over Mbappe
Although Mbappe brings far greater World Cup experience, Yamal has enjoyed recent success whenever the two have faced each other.
Representing Barcelona, Spain and Real Madrid, France respectively, the pair have met 10 times over the past two years.
During those encounters, Yamal has been on the winning side eight times, while Mbappe has managed only two victories.
That impressive record will give Spain confidence ahead of another massive showdown between two of football’s brightest stars.
A Semi-Final Featuring Football’s Biggest Young Icons
Tuesday’s clash promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Mbappe enters the game aiming to lead France into another World Cup final and strengthen his legacy among football’s greatest players.
Meanwhile, Yamal has the opportunity to announce himself on the biggest stage once again and move one step closer to achieving the same teenage World Cup success that Mbappe enjoyed eight years ago.
With two exciting attacking teams and two global superstars leading the way, football fans around the world can expect a memorable semi-final.