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Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski explained why Lamine Yamal was unable to show his best form during Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph. The teenage prodigy arrived at the tournament after a long injury layoff, but the Polish veteran praised his former teammate’s crucial contribution to La Roja’s victory.
An injury hampers the teenage prodigy
Yamal entered the 2026 World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the final stages of Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. Coach Luis de la Fuente managed his workload by limiting his minutes in the first few games, although the 19-year-old still played eight games throughout the tournament. He scored a goal in 616 minutes and completed a tournament-high 35 dribbles, helping Spain overcome Portugal, France and, finally, Argentina in the final.
Lewandowski analyzes Yamal’s form
Former Barcelona teammate Lewandowski explained why Yamal was unable to reach his best form in the United States. When asked if fans had seen the young winger at his best during the tournament, the veteran Polish striker told ESPN: “Honestly, no, we didn’t.” [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, was not the last season, but two seasons ago, that was for me the best version of Lamine Yamal.
“He’s still young, he came to the World Cup after an injury and didn’t play for about eight weeks, so it’s difficult if you don’t play for eight weeks and you have to start playing at the World Cup, then you don’t have time to train just from match to match. But he showed very good quality. The Spain players and the team helped Lamine and Lamine also helped the whole team. I think this cooperation was perfect.”
Barcelona Connection drives support
Lewandowski, whose Polish team failed to qualify for the tournament, admitted he cheered for Spain in the final against Argentina because of his close bond with his former Camp Nou teammates.
Explaining why he supported La Roja against Lionel Messi’s Albiceleste, the striker revealed: “I know a lot of players from Spain and I spent a lot of time in Barcelona with them, so I supported them a lot.
“Of course, I personally only know Leo from Argentina, but I know that he won the last World Cup. That’s why I support the Spanish team, because if you play with them, spend a lot of time together, then it’s easier to support this team.
“I felt happy because I know they were ready to win the World Cup. They are very young and the future is in front of them.”
There are new challenges ahead
After his international commitment and a summer vacation, Yamal will focus on regaining his best physical condition for the new campaign with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lewandowski has embarked on a new chapter in MLS with the Chicago Fire, making his debut against Inter Miami CF and expressing his ambition to achieve immediate success for his new club: “I’m ready to do this and try to help my teammates and the new club take the next step, and also win some titles.”
