Lamine Yamal sent a subtle message to Ballon d’Or rival Ousmane Dembele after helping Spain knock France out of the Nations League.
The two European heavyweights produced a pulsating clash in Germany, with the reigning Euros champions coming out on top in a nine-goal thriller.
Leading by two after the first half, Yamal took centre stage. The Barcelona forward has enjoyed another remarkable season at club level and scored twice – either side of Pedri’s well-taken finish – to move Spain 5-1 ahead.
But Luis de la Fuente’s side were made to sweat after a late three late goals threatened a miraculous French comeback in the dying moments.
Having been withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining, Paris Saint-Germain winger Dembele could only watch from the sidelines as his side came up just short in a thrilling 5-4 defeat.
Despite an incredible domestic campaign, which saw the forward guide PSG to a famous treble, it was a quiet night for the Frenchman in Stuttgart as Yamal outshone the 28-year-old to take centre stage.
The two mesmerising wide players are amongst the favourites to win be named Ballon d’Or winner later in the year, and Yamal was quick to joke that tonight’s performance may give him the nod in the eyes of the judges.
‘I always tell my mother, what motivates me and what I get up for in the morning is to play football,’ the 17-year-old told RTVE post-match.
‘The best thing is to talk on the pitch. Dembele is a great player, but we are in the final.’
And it was not just Yamal making the claim, with former World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger also suggesting the teenager’s impressive display could well have helped him secure the Ballon d’Or.
‘Ballon d’Or? Lamine Yamal has to be put higher than Dembele,’ he told SWR. ‘Lamine Yamal was better tonight.’
Yamal played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win last summer, breaking the record for the youngest-ever finalist at 16 years 338 days.
And the teenager can now look to write his latest chapter in Spain’s rich football history by helping his nation retain their Nations League crown in Sunday’s final against Portugal.
On the win more generally against France, the Barcelona forward said: ‘France is a great team, they make you suffer, it’s normal. They are players who make you suffer until the end. But we are very happy with the victory.’
Asked about Sunday’s match-up with Portugal, he added: ‘It will be the same as this match, with players of great world class. We are very good teams and I hope to take the Cup to Spain.’
Who do you think should win the Ballon d’Or?
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Lamine Yamal
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Ousmane Dembele
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Someone else (comment below)
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