Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has this week revealed his bemusement with the criticism aimed in the direction of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal at points this past season.
Wide-man Lamine is of course fresh off nothing short of a historic campaign in Catalunya’s capital in 2024/25.
Despite remaining just 17 years of age, the winger terrorised opposing backlines time and time again, en route to securing for himself status as one of world football’s very best players.
With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Lamine Yamal’s rapid development has become an especially exciting topic for Spanish football supporters. His performances for both club and country have strengthened expectations that he could play a pivotal role for Spain national football team as they prepare for the sport’s biggest tournament.
Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has repeatedly shown faith in the young star, and his defense of Lamine reflects the belief that the winger’s talent and maturity far exceed his age. Considering the level of consistency he displayed throughout the 2024/25 season, many observers view him as one of Spain’s most important players heading into the World Cup 2026 cycle.
If Lamine continues on his current trajectory, the Barcelona sensation could arrive at the World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament’s headline stars, carrying the hopes of Spain and further cementing his reputation among the elite players in world football.
All told, Lamine racked up a whopping 43 goal contributions across all competitions, crucial in Barcelona ultimately securing a domestic treble.
And yet, at more than one point over the course of the season, the youngster was singled out for criticism.
Chiefly, as much came amid complaints that he was not scoring enough goals.
And one individual who has since made clear that he was left nothing short of perplexed by such qualms is the aforementioned Luis de la Fuente.
Speaking during an interview with COPE, as cited by Diario Sport, this week, Spain’s headmaster explained:
“I heard that Lamine lacks a goal, oh my… I said, I live in a world of Martians!”
Conor Laird – GSFN
