Lamine Yamal poised to inspire Spain in debut World Cup

Heir to the Throne

Lamine Yamal is arguably the most exciting player in soccer thanks to his eye-catching dribbling skills, lethal passes and eye for goal. Still just 18-years-old, the Barcelona star has already won league and cup titles with the Catalan giants, a European Championship with Spain and finished second to Ousmane Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Since bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has smashed records for fun for club and country. He’s a terrifying opponent for defenders, a human cheat code in many ways, blessed with outrageous dribbling skills, elite pace and the ability to create chances for his teammates at will. His eye-catching trivela pass is fast becoming his trademark and regularly gets fans out of their seats in La Liga.

The Journey So Far

Yamal came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy earning countless comparisons to Messi, not least due to his ability on the ball, desire to run riot down the right flank or cut inside to create danger. He even wears Messi’s legendary No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, but has insisted he’s his own man and that it will be impossible to reach Messi’s level. A first World Cup will, however, offer Yamal the platform to show off his skills to a global audience and cement his position as one of the best players in the world. The Barcelona forward is part of a strong Spain squad who will head into the tournament as one of the favorites. Yamal’s 24 goals and 17 assists in 47 games for Barcelona this season highlight just how effective the teenager is in front of goal. He’s a destructive force, able to unlock packed defenses and offer that bit of magic that is a feature of the greatest sides. While Spain’s hopes may not rest entirely on his shoulders, will certainly look to their young superstar for inspiration at World Cup 2026.