FIFA World Cup: Lewandowski says injury cost fans the best of Yamal
Synopsis
Robert Lewandowski's verdict cuts through the celebration: Spain won the World Cup without seeing the best of Lamine Yamal. Eight weeks of injury lay-off meant the 19-year-old was never fully match-sharp — yet he still led the tournament in dribbles. What does peak Yamal look like? The football world may be about to find out.
Key Takeaways
Robert Lewandowski told ESPN that fans did not see Lamine Yamal 's best football at the FIFA World Cup .
Yamal had been sidelined for approximately eight weeks with a hamstring injury before the tournament began.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente carefully managed Yamal's workload in the early stages before increasing his involvement.
Yamal played all eight matches , scored one goal , and completed a tournament-high 35 successful dribbles .
Spain defeated Portugal , France , and Argentina to lift the World Cup trophy.
Lewandowski, a former Barcelona teammate of several Spain players, said he backed Spain because of those personal ties.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has said that Lamine Yamal was unable to produce his peak football during Spain's FIFA World Cup-winning campaign, attributing the teenager's below-par showing to a hamstring injury that disrupted his build-up to the tournament.
What Lewandowski Said
Speaking to ESPN, the Poland captain was candid in his assessment: 'Honestly, no, we didn't see his best this tournament. For me, the best version of Lamine was two seasons ago. He's still very young, and he came to the World Cup after an injury. He hadn't played for around eight weeks, so it's very difficult to return straight into a tournament like the World Cup.'
Lewandowski also noted the unique challenge of returning mid-tournament: 'When you don't play for eight weeks, and then you start at the World Cup, you don't really have time to train because it's one match after another. Even then, he showed great quality. The Spain players helped Lamine, and Lamine also helped the team. That partnership worked perfectly.'
Yamal's World Cup Journey
The 19-year-old winger had spent close to eight weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem that ruled him out near the end of Barcelona's domestic season. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente managed Yamal's workload carefully in the early rounds before gradually increasing his involvement as the tournament progressed.
Despite the fitness concerns, Yamal featured in all eight of Spain's matches, registering one goal and completing a competition-leading 35 successful dribbles. Spain defeated Portugal, France, and Argentina on their way to claiming the World Cup trophy.
Why Lewandowski Backed Spain
Lewandowski, whose Poland side did not qualify for the tournament, revealed that his former club connections made it natural to cheer for the Spanish squad. 'I know many of the Spain players because we spent a lot of time together at Barcelona, so it was natural for me to support them,' he said.
He also touched on his feelings toward Argentina and Lionel Messi: 'I only know Leo personally from Argentina, and he had already won the previous World Cup. I was happy for Spain because I knew they were ready to become champions. They have a very young squad and a bright future ahead of them.'
The Bigger Picture
Yamal's World Cup showing — even while not at full fitness — underscored his status as one of football's most exciting young talents. Notably, Spain's ability to win the tournament without their most dangerous attacker at his best speaks to the collective depth Luis de la Fuente has built. With Yamal still 19 and a full pre-season expected ahead, the next cycle could see him arrive at a major tournament in peak condition for the first time.
Point of View
Under-cooked Yamal can lead a World Cup in dribbles and help eliminate France and Argentina, what does his ceiling actually look like? The more pressing concern is Barcelona's injury management; this is not the first time Yamal has arrived at a major tournament short of full fitness. If that pattern continues, the sport risks never seeing his absolute peak on the biggest stage.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Robert Lewandowski say about Lamine Yamal at the FIFA World Cup?
Lewandowski said fans did not see Yamal's best football at the tournament because the teenager had been out injured for around eight weeks before it began. He told ESPN that returning directly into a major tournament without adequate match practice made it very difficult for Yamal to hit top form.
What injury did Lamine Yamal have before the FIFA World Cup?
Yamal suffered a hamstring problem that ruled him out towards the end of Barcelona's domestic season, keeping him sidelined for approximately eight weeks. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente managed his workload carefully in the early stages of the tournament as a result.
How did Lamine Yamal perform at the FIFA World Cup despite the injury?
Despite not being fully match-fit, Yamal played all eight of Spain's matches, scored one goal, and led the entire competition with 35 successful dribbles. Spain went on to defeat Portugal, France, and Argentina to win the title.
Why did Lewandowski support Spain at the FIFA World Cup?
Lewandowski said he supported Spain because of the close relationships he built with several squad members during his time at Barcelona. He also noted that Lionel Messi had already won the previous World Cup with Argentina.
Who is Lamine Yamal and how old is he?
Lamine Yamal is a 19-year-old Spanish winger who plays for Barcelona and is widely regarded as one of football's most exciting young talents. He was a key figure in Spain's FIFA World Cup-winning campaign despite carrying the effects of a pre-tournament hamstring injury.
