Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise continued in thrilling fashion, as the 17-year-old Barcelona star delivered a night of highs and lows for Spain in their gripping 3-3 draw against the Netherlands, securing a 5-4 penalty win and a spot in the Nations League semi-finals.
Yamal, who has already captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his dazzling performances for both Barcelona and Spain, lit up the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia on Sunday. The teenager’s breathtaking strike in extra time a perfect curling shot past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was a showstopper that left fans in awe. Yet, his joy was tempered by a missed penalty in the shoot-out, which briefly cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar performance.
The dramatic penalty miss, which was denied by Verbruggen, was a bittersweet moment in an otherwise thrilling game. But for Yamal, it’s all part of his journey to greatness. His growth as a player is evident, especially after bouncing back from criticism in the first leg of the quarter-finals, where his performance was scrutinized by pundits like former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart. Yamal responded in style, posting a cheeky message on Instagram after the game, sharing his goal and penalty miss with a lighthearted jab at his critics.
In a nation known for producing footballing legends, Yamal has quickly drawn comparisons to Argentina’s Lionel Messi, particularly with his fearless dribbling and playmaking ability. At just 17, he has already notched up four goals in 19 appearances for Spain and has become a key figure in La Roja’s quest for success.
Despite the penalty miss, Yamal’s maturity beyond his years has been widely praised. His Barcelona teammate, Pedri, was quick to reassure the young star, stating, “He doesn’t let the pressure affect him.” Pedri even joked about the penalty, calling it “terrible” but noting that Yamal’s calmness under pressure is something the team admires.
Defender Marc Cucurella also joined in the good-natured ribbing, sharing his initial confidence before Yamal’s penalty miss, then laughing at the unexpected outcome. “What a disaster!” he quipped, yet it was all in good spirit, as the Spain squad clearly believes in Yamal’s ability to bounce back stronger.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who has frequently praised Yamal’s talent describing him as “touched by a magic wand” acknowledged that the young winger is still maturing. “Lamine is disappointed, but he’s happy. He’s still growing, still learning, and gave us exactly what we needed from him,” said de la Fuente.
As Spain prepares for a semi-final clash with France, Yamal’s exciting blend of talent and resilience will be crucial in their pursuit of Nations League glory. Despite the penalty miss, it’s clear: Lamine Yamal is a superstar in the making, and his journey to the top is just beginning.
