Full article

Lamine Yamal raises his hand for Ballon d'Or with a display that leaves Mbappé and Dembélé in trouble

In a duel that promised spectacle, Spain not only fulfilled, but dazzled. De la Fuente's team won with authority against a France that ended up making up the result, but was completely outclassed for much of the game. And in the midst of the gale, one name stood out above the rest: Lamine Yamal.

The Barça youngster produced a performance that could prove decisive in the race for the Ballon d'Or. Under the direct gaze of two of his greatest rivals for the award, Dembélé and Mbappé, the La Roja winger left a calling card of the ones to remember. He didn't start off on fire, but when he found his rhythm, no one could stop him. He scored from a penalty to loosen up and, from there, led an offense that at times danced to the Gauls.

The second goal of his account was from the video library: a quick combination of the team, a measured pass from Pedro Porro and a surgical finish after leaving Lenglet in the way. At that moment, Spain was leading 5-1 and the Stuttgart stadium was roaring with every run of the ‘10’.

France, who took the field with the heavy artillery, was surprised from the first moment. Dembele barely found space on his flank, more by tactical decision of Deschamps than by lack of will. The coach insisted on pigeonholing him on the right, when his best version at PSG has been freer, floating down the middle. This time, neither his electricity nor his attempts were enough to change history.

Mbappé, for his part, found a little breathing space by forcing and scoring a penalty that made up for his performance. Even so, it was a night when the shine was on someone else's shoulders. And that other was Lamine, who not only made the difference, but did so against the two big favorites for the Ballon d'Or this season.

The context is not minor either: with the Nations League as the last great showcase before the Ballon d'Or award, the Barça player knows that he has fewer opportunities to shine. Neither he nor his club will be at the new Club World Cup, which will be attended by Mbappé with Real Madrid and Dembélé with PSG. That's why every game counts double for the young Spanish talent, and he knows it.

In terms of the national team, Spain once again proved that it has a generation capable of fighting for everything. The team was an offensive roller for a good part of the match, playing with criteria, pressing high and leaving without response to a France that only reacted when it was too late. De la Fuente seems to have come up with a formula that combines youth, talent and talent in abundance.

La Roja ended up suffering a little more than expected after conceding a couple of goals in the final minutes, but the match was already decided. The message is clear: this Spain is serious and has arguments to dream big.

But beyond the collective, the name of the day was Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, he made it clear that he is not weighed down by any stage and that he is not here just to learn. He is here to compete, to decide and, who knows, to win the Golden Ball. If he continues at this level, it will be very difficult to leave him out of the conversation. And the best (or worst for his rivals): he has just started.