World Cup 2026: Spaniard Lamine Yamal “completes football” by defeating Argentina

Spain and Lamine Yamal have grown throughout the tournament to leave the world at their feet with the two greatest trophies in football in their pocket.

In addition to having glorious natural gifts, he is also Spain’s lucky charm. They completed their dominance on the international stage with Ferran Torres’ decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time.

Lamine Yamal has not yet lost with his country in the 28 official matches he played. He has started 13 matches in the majors and won them all – the longest 100% win rate of any European player across the majors on debut.

He also became – alongside fellow 19-year-old Spaniard Pau Cobarci – the fourth and fifth youngster to start and win a World Cup final, after Pele with Brazil in 1958, Italian defender Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982, and Kylian Mbappe with France in 2018.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente spoke afterwards of his “sincere gratitude” to Alamine Yamal.

“He played great football that will help him mature and become a greater footballer than he already is,” he said.

“He really sacrificed for the collective good. That’s very important in my team. In my opinion, he had a great World Cup.”

This is not just a special talent, but a special talent with a special temperament.

He ignored Argentina’s apparent attempts to intimidate him because he was in regular close contact with Nicolas Tagliafico in particular.

Former England goalkeeper and BBC Sport pundit Joe Hart summed it up well.

“Not only did Lamin Yamal not react,” he said. “He stood up to it. He didn’t get upset and he didn’t back down. He had the whole team trying to break him down.”

“He remained really good. It was a real standout performance from him.

“Lamin Yamal is 19 years old. What a beautiful day for him. He is 19 years old and has finished football.”

With almost his entire career ahead of him, and benefiting from the experience and influence of Spain teammates such as captain and player of the tournament Rodri, there is every chance Lamine Yamal will add more successes like this before he is done.