Former England striker Wayne Rooney has delivered high praise for Lamine Yamal following the young Spanish star’s standout performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The teenager played a key role as Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their Group F clash at the Atlanta Stadium, further strengthening La Roja’s position in the tournament.
Yamal wasted no time making his mark, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute to give Spain early control of the match. The 18-year-old winger was later substituted at half-time after Spain had already built a commanding three-goal lead.
The victory placed Spain in a strong position at the top of Group F and also served as an important response after their goalless draw against Cape Verde in the opening match of the competition.
While Spain impressed as a collective unit, it was Yamal’s performance that drew the most attention from pundits, including Wayne Rooney, who was working as a football analyst for BBC.
Rooney Impressed by Yamal’s Maturity and Influence
Rooney admitted he was captivated by the way Yamal influenced the game despite his young age. The former Manchester United forward highlighted not only the Barcelona winger’s technical ability, but also his ability to elevate the performances of those around him.
According to Rooney, Yamal’s maturity on the pitch is what sets him apart from other young talents, especially considering he is still only 18 years old.
“I really like him, he actually makes me smile. The enjoyment and the joy he plays with,” Rooney told BBC.
Rooney went on to emphasize how important Yamal’s presence is for Spain’s squad dynamic, especially given the number of young players in the team.
“What he does for that Spanish team, there are a lot of young players there and he gives them confidence. They won the European Championship with him when he was just 16, and now he has grown as a player—it’s crazy to say that about an 18-year-old—but he gives every other player on the pitch belief that they can go on and win this World Cup.”
The former England captain also suggested that Yamal’s influence goes beyond statistics, describing him as a player who changes the emotional energy of the entire team.
Lamine Yamal’s Leadership Beyond His Age
Beyond his attacking contributions, Rooney also praised Yamal’s willingness to contribute defensively, something that is often overlooked when discussing attacking stars.
The BBC pundit stressed that Yamal’s work rate and commitment to tracking back make him even more valuable to Spain’s tactical system.
For Rooney, this attitude reflects the mindset of a complete modern footballer—someone who impacts both ends of the pitch and sets standards for teammates.
“When you’ve got that sort of thing, making other players feel better on the pitch, it’s incredible to have that from an 18-year-old,” Rooney explained.
He added that Yamal’s defensive effort sends a powerful message to the rest of the squad.
“He runs back and helps his team. When you’ve got a superstar who is willing to track back and defend, it has a massive impact on the whole team. They see a star player doing it, so everyone else has to follow.”
Spain’s Rising Confidence at World Cup 2026
Yamal’s breakout performance comes at a crucial moment for Spain, who are aiming to establish themselves as one of the favorites for the World Cup 2026 title.
After a slow start to the tournament, La Roja’s dominant win over Saudi Arabia has reignited belief in their ability to go deep into the competition. The emergence of young stars like Yamal is seen as a key factor in Spain’s renewed confidence.
With a blend of experienced players and exciting youth talent, Spain now appear to have one of the most balanced squads in the tournament.
A Star in the Making
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being discussed as one of the brightest talents in world football. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, combined with his maturity and consistency, has made him a central figure in Spain’s attacking system.
With endorsements from respected figures like Wayne Rooney, Yamal’s reputation continues to grow rapidly on the global stage.
If his current trajectory continues, the Barcelona star could become one of the defining players of this generation—and a key reason why Spain are considered serious contenders for World Cup glory in 2026.
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