Lamine Yamal: glory and storms in the Spanish national team
From his debut at Georgia 2023 to his brilliant EURO 2024, Yamal has grown up amidst the Barca – RFEF controversy, injuries and hopes of a return at Finalissima 2026.
A recall within hours, accompanied by a scathing statement from the RFEF, outlined Lamine Yamal’s turbulent autumn of 2025. The Barcelona prodigy entered the Spanish national team in the eye of a storm, grew up with fateful moments and now continues to walk the tightrope between glory and controversy.
Launched amid storm and explosion in Georgia
In September 2023, when Spanish football was in turmoil over the Luis Rubiales – Jenni Hermoso affair, Yamal boarded a plane with the national team for the first time. Coach Luis de la Fuente devoted his first press conference to explaining the scandal, while the 16-year-old attended an internal meeting in Las Rozas, where Morata read out a statement of support for Jenni Hermoso, alongside Rodri, Asensio and Azpilicueta.
In Tbilisi, a small detail nearly derailed the trip: Yamal’s shoes were left behind in Madrid. But the match was the turning point. Spain beat Georgia 7-1, and Yamal scored his first goal, becoming the youngest player ever to score for La Roja. A few days later in Granada, Spain beat Cyprus 6-0, capping off a perfect run of results amid Rubiales’ resignation, ushering in a new period of turmoil at the top.
Affirming the color of the shirt and social voice
When rumors of a possible move to Morocco emerged, coach Regragui confirmed: “We tried, but Yamal chose Spain.” That choice comes with the responsibility of a new symbol. At the Bernabéu, in the friendly against Brazil, Yamal, Nico Williams, Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo, called for an end to racism.
EURO 2024: the explosive moment
At EURO 2024, Yamal made a deep impression. He scored a super goal against France in the semi-finals, and also assisted against Croatia, Georgia, Germany and England, contributing to Spain's convincing European Championship victory. At the age of 17, Yamal became a new symbol of Spanish football.
2025: growing up in challenges and tensions Barca – RFEF
In 2025, Yamal continued to create stories beyond the age of 17: he still observed Ramadan during the national team training, showing rare personal discipline. On the field, the Final Four Nations League ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal. After that, Yamal suffered an injury and had to undergo long-term treatment.
In October 2025, De la Fuente named Yamal for the matches against Georgia and Bulgaria, but withdrew him a few hours later. Barcelona announced that he had suffered a pubic injury, recommending 7–10 days of absence. The RFEF immediately issued an unprecedentedly harsh statement, indicating a deep disagreement with Barcelona. The tension escalated, leaving Yamal unable to rejoin the team.
Impact and the horizon ahead
The rift between club and federation has not obscured Yamal’s extraordinary development trajectory: the more pressure he is under, the faster he is forced to grow. If he recovers in time, Yamal could return to Spain in March 2026, in the Finalissima against Argentina in Doha, where he could face Lionel Messi – his childhood idol.
Milestones and notable details
- September 2023: Makes Spain debut in Georgia, scoring in a 7-1 win; becomes La Roja's youngest ever goalscorer.
- 6-0 win over Cyprus in Granada in the same training session; the time when Rubiales resigned.
- Confirming Spain's choice before Morocco: "We tried, but Yamal chose Spain." – Coach Regragui.
- EURO 2024: Score a super goal against France in the semi-finals, assist against Croatia, Georgia, Germany and England; Spain wins the European Championship.
- Final Four Nations League 2025: lost to Portugal on penalties; then injured, Barca recommended 7–10 days off; RFEF reacted strongly.
- Near future: possibility of Finalissima 2026 against Argentina in Doha, possibly facing Lionel Messi.
