Robert Lewandowski on Why Lamine Yamal Didn’t Hit Top Form at the 2026 World Cup
Robert Lewandowski, former Barcelona striker, shared his thoughts on why ex-teammate Lamine Yamal wasn’t able to showcase his best during Spain’s victorious run at the 2026 World Cup. The young winger entered the tournament recovering from an injury but still played a key role in Spain’s historic win.
Injury Limited Yamal’s Impact
Yamal had just come back from a hamstring injury that kept him out for the final part of Barcelona's La Liga season. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente carefully managed his minutes in early matches. Despite that, the 19-year-old appeared in eight games, scored once over 616 minutes, and led the tournament with 35 successful dribbles. His efforts helped Spain defeat tough opponents like Portugal, France, and Argentina in the final.
Why Yamal Didn’t Reach His Peak
Lewandowski explained to ESPN why Yamal didn’t show his absolute best form in the US. He said, “Honestly, no, we didn’t see his best this tournament. The best version of Lamine for me was two seasons ago, not last season.” He added that coming off an eight-week injury break meant Yamal lacked enough training and match rhythm before the World Cup started. Still, Lewandowski praised the youngster’s quality and highlighted how well the team supported each other throughout the competition.
A Strong Barcelona Connection
Polish striker Lewandowski, whose Poland team missed the World Cup, admitted he cheered for Spain in the final against Argentina because of his bonds with his former Camp Nou teammates. He said, “I know many players from Spain and spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I supported them a lot. I only know Leo Messi personally from Argentina, and since he won the last World Cup, I backed Spain.” He believed Spain’s youthful squad had the right spirit to claim the trophy.
Looking Ahead for Yamal and Lewandowski
After international duty and a break, Yamal’s focus will be on regaining full fitness before the new Barcelona season begins. Meanwhile, Lewandowski has started a fresh chapter in Major League Soccer, making his debut for Chicago Fire against Inter Miami CF. He expressed his determination to help his new team progress and win titles soon.
