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Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why Lamine Yamal was unable to produce his absolute best form during Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage prodigy entered the tournament after a lengthy injury lay-off, but the Polish veteran praised his former team-mate’s crucial contribution to La Roja’s victory.
Injury hampers Teenage Prodigy
Yamal took part in the 2026 World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the closing stages of Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. Manager Luis de la Fuente managed his workload by limiting his minutes in the opening games, although the 19-year-old still made eight appearances throughout the tournament. He scored a goal in 616 minutes and completed 35 dribbles in the tournament, helping Spain overcome Portugal, France and ultimately Argentina in the final.
Lewandowski analyzes Yamal’s form
Former Barcelona teammate Lewandowski explained why Yamal was unable to reach his peak form in the US. Asked if supporters had seen the young winger at his absolute best during the tournament, the veteran Polish forward told ESPN: “Honestly, no, we didn’t. [see his best this tournament]. Of course, the best performance, the best Lamine for me, was not the last season, but two seasons ago, it was now for me the best version of Lamine Yamal.
“He’s still young, he came to the World Cup after an injury and he didn’t play for eight weeks, so it’s difficult if you don’t play for eight weeks and you have to start playing the World Cup, then you don’t have time for training just from match to match. But he showed really good quality. The Spanish players and the team helped Lamine and Lamine, I also thought this whole collaboration was perfect.”
Barcelona Connection Drives Support
Lewandowski, whose Polish side failed to qualify for the tournament, admitted he was rooting for Spain in the final against Argentina because of his close bond with his former Camp Nou colleagues.
Explaining why he supported La Roja over Lionel Messi’s Albiceleste, the forward revealed: “I know a lot of players from Spain and I spent so much time in Barcelona with them so I supported them a lot.
“Of course, I personally only know Leo from Argentina, but I know he won the last World Cup. That’s why I support the Spanish national team, because if you play with them, you spend a lot of time together, then it’s easier to support this team.”
“I was happy because I know they were ready to win the World Cup. They are very young and the future is ahead of them.”
New challenges lie ahead
After international duty and a summer break, Yamal will focus on regaining peak physical condition ahead of the new campaign with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lewandowski has begun a new chapter in MLS with the Chicago Fire, making his debut against Inter Miami CF and outlining his ambition to deliver instant success for his new club: “I’m ready to do this and try to help my teammates and new club take the next step and also win some titles.”
