Lamine Yamal once again rose to the occasion, this time by delivering a brace in Spain‘s 5-4 victory over France in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals. All eyes were on him, and the youngster proved he might be a serious contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Shortly after the game, the Barcelona sensation dropped a nine-word message that could serve as a serious warning to his doubters. “The important thing is to talk on the field,” Yamal said, via Fabrizio Romano.
Earlier in the week, Yamal made headlines by addressing the possible implications of this game on the Ballon d’Or race with Ousmane Dembele, who helped PSG win their first-ever Champions League title last weekend.
What did Yamal say about the 2025 Ballon d’Or race before Spain’s win over France?
“Everyone sees it their own way. I’m hoping we win [against France] on Thursday. But whether we win or not, I’d vote for the best player of the year,” Yamal said about the award during an interview with El Partidazo de COPE.
Lamine Yamal of Spain applauds the fans following victory in the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Spain and France at Stuttgart Arena.
“Because if Thursday doesn’t go the way I want or Dembele wants, then what? You’re voting for someone else who plays on Sunday? I’m the kind of person who votes for the best player over the whole year. But if people want to risk it all on one game, well… let’s play that game then.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 3-word message after helping Portugal reach 2025 UEFA Nations League final with game-winning goal vs Germany
Yamal doubled down, and it paid off
Yamal’s comments gave plenty to talk about before the Nations League semifinal, and he even doubled down hours before kickoff by posting an Instagram story of his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024.
It paid off though, as the Spanish gem was up to the challenge. Not only did his side punched the ticket to the final, but Yamal played an instrumental role in the win with a crucial brace.
At only 17, Yamal has once again proven the soccer world that age is just a number for him. Dembele may have had a great season, but if anyone looked at this game as the potential Ballon d’Or decider, then Yamal already gained the upper hand.
Yamal set to face both Ronaldo and Messi after another win against Mbappe
Yamal is now about to face Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in his career, with Spain and Portugal set to clash in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final on Sunday. But another exciting clash awaits the 17-year-old.
Spain will also play Argentina at some point before the 2026 World Cup in a highly anticipated Finalissima, where Yamal might square off against Lionel Messi for the first time ever.
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Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how he fares against two of the all-time greats. In the meantime, Yamal already boasts an impressive record against another star. With Spain’s recent win over France, Lamine is now 6-0 against Kylian Mbappe.
