Overview
- Yamal opened the scoring with a left-footed curling goal in Spain’s 3-1 Nations League win over Czechia on Saturday, extending a run of 12 goals in his last nine club-and-country games.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called Yamal “on the way to being a legendary player” and substituted him at half-time to manage his minutes and reduce fatigue risk.
- Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta and former players and pundits have publicly lauded Yamal’s level, describing his recent form as exceptional and different from his peers.
- Not all teammates back him for the Ballon d’Or—Fran García said he would vote for Fabián Ruiz—and debate has grown over whether Spain should rest Yamal in upcoming fixtures to protect his fitness.
- The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in London on October 26 after national-journalist voting closed, meaning public praise now shapes perception rather than the formal vote outcome.