Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has the opportunity to follow in Kylian Mbappe’s footsteps by winning the FIFA World Cup before turning 20, but first he must overcome the French captain in a blockbuster semi-final on Tuesday.
Mbappe announced himself on football’s biggest stage at the 2018 World Cup, scoring in France’s victory over Croatia in the final at just 19 years and 207 days old. The strike made him only the second teenager, after Pele in 1958, to score in a World Cup final.
Seven years later, Yamal is experiencing the tournament for the first time, but the Barcelona star has already shown he can shine on the biggest occasions.
The winger produced one of the standout moments of Euro 2024 when his spectacular goal against France in the semi-finals inspired Spain to a 2-1 comeback victory over Mbappe’s side. Four days later, after celebrating his 17th birthday on the eve of the final, Yamal helped Spain defeat England to lift the European Championship and was named the tournament’s Young Player.
Now, with his 19th birthday approaching on the eve of another semi-final, this time in Arlington, Yamal is eager to make a similar impact on the global stage.
His World Cup participation had briefly been in doubt after a hamstring injury forced him to miss the closing weeks of Barcelona’s season.
“I was afraid it might be serious and, above all, that even if it wasn’t, I could suffer a setback and end up missing the World Cup,” Yamal admitted in May.
Yamal Seeking Greater Influence
After coming off the bench in Spain’s opening goalless draw against Cape Verde, Yamal started the next match against Saudi Arabia, scoring before being substituted at half-time in a comfortable 4-0 victory.
He has retained his place in the starting line-up ever since but has yet to add to that lone goal, something Spain captain Rodri believes is weighing on the teenager.
“I think Lamine needs to calm the anxiety he sometimes has because he wants to show how important a player he is for us,” Rodri said.
“Given the maturity he showed at the European Championship, now that he is two years older people naturally expect even more from him.”
Spain have at times lacked the direct attacking threat that carried them to European glory, with Yamal yet to consistently reproduce the decisive performances that defined his breakthrough tournament.
Mbappe Chasing More World Cup History
France, meanwhile, have rediscovered the attacking edge that deserted them at Euro 2024, with Mbappe once again leading the charge.
Now 27, the Real Madrid forward remains determined to cement his place among the greatest players in World Cup history.
With eight goals at this tournament, Mbappe is level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and just one strike away from matching the Argentine’s all-time World Cup record of 21 goals.
The French captain is also pursuing a third consecutive World Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and scoring a hat-trick in France’s defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final.
Reaching another final would see him equal Brazilian legend Cafu’s achievement of appearing in three straight World Cup finals between 1994 and 2002.
Despite criticism over injury-related absences during the latter part of Real Madrid’s season, Mbappe has insisted his sole focus has been delivering success for France.
“I know people talk about the stats. I watch TV too. But my only focus is on helping the team and getting us back here on July 19,” he said after France’s last-32 victory over Sweden.
“I have won a World Cup and been a runner-up. This team has done neither of those things, but it has enormous potential,” he added following France’s quarter-final win over Morocco.
A Rivalry Renewed
Both Yamal and Mbappe have become symbols of a new generation of European football, global stars whose influence extends well beyond the pitch.
While Mbappe brings experience, World Cup pedigree and established superstar status, Yamal represents the sport’s exciting future.
Their rivalry has intensified over the past two years through a series of Clasico encounters, and the young Spaniard has enjoyed the upper hand. Across club and international football, Mbappe has managed just two victories in 10 meetings against Yamal, suffering eight defeats.
Tuesday’s semi-final offers another chapter in that growing rivalry, with a place in the World Cup final—and perhaps footballing history—on the line.
